A story for little hearts and brave voices

Sometimes the
smallest voice
makes the biggest difference.

Meet Petunia—a girl learning that being yourself is something to celebrate, and that speaking up for someone else can be its own kind of superpower.

Be brave. Be kind. Be yourself.
Petunia's Courage book cover: a smiling girl in a red superhero cape standing among purple petunias outside a school
Kindness begins with courageA picture book by Elena Caracci
About the story

A little different.
A lot of courage.

Petunia's first day at a new school leaves her wishing she could change the things that make her stand out. But when another child is teased, she discovers a different kind of superpower: the courage to speak up.

Through gentle storytelling and colorful illustrations, Petunia's Courage invites children to embrace what makes them unique and to lead with empathy, acceptance, and kindness.

Self-acceptanceKindnessFriendshipFinding your voice

Peek inside

Meet Petunia on her first day at a new school.

Petunia pauses on the path to her new school, surrounded by purple flowers.

On the way home

On the way home, Petunia caught her reflection in a shop window.

She had never minded her eyebrows before. Now they were all she could see.

Inside were rows of brushes, bottles, and little beauty boxes.

Could changing my face change tomorrow?

She wasn’t sure. She went home.

Excerpt from Petunia’s Courage
“Your voice matters, and your kindness can make someone else feel less alone.”
From Elena's dedication to Maddy and Aria
Bring the story home

Choose your edition

Find the version that's right for your family, classroom, or next bedtime story. Purchases are completed securely through Lulu.

Paperback

A colorful, easy-to-share copy for story time, classrooms, and little readers.

Softcover picture bookLulu link coming soon

Hardcover

A keepsake edition to revisit and cherish for years to come.

Hardcover picture bookLulu link coming soon

eBook

Take Petunia's message of kindness along wherever you read together.

Digital editionLulu link coming soon

All book orders, payments, and fulfillment are handled by Lulu. Availability depends on which editions have been published.

From a childhood ideato a story shared
with a new generation.
Meet the author

Elena Caracci

Elena is a middle school teacher and a proud mother of two daughters, Maddy and Aria. She first wrote Petunia's Courage when she was a child, long before she imagined sharing the story with her own family.

Today, her childhood creation carries the same heartfelt message into a new generation: everyone deserves to feel seen, and the smallest act of kindness can make a meaningful difference.

With all my love, Elena

Every child has
their own kind of brave.

Help little readers discover theirs.

Find the book