Meet Lyra Brave
Short & sweet version:
I'm a children's author and illustrator who specializes in books that help young readers navigate difficult emotions with bravery and resilience. With a background in psychology and a passion for storytelling, I have authored and illustrated a collection of stories that span across the galaxy, helping children explore their emotions in a fun and engaging way.
My books have been praised for their relatable characters, imaginative settings, and insightful messages. I like to think that my (somewhat) unique ability to blend creative storytelling with thoughtful perspective has allowed me to craft stories that not only entertain, but also educate and inspire.
In addition to writing and illustrating, I enjoy stargazing, mountaineering, and creating art. I currently live in Salt Lake City (formerly Seattle) with my partner, John, and our cat, Scoot.
Extended director's cut:
Like all great stories, it started with an idea: to teach the next generation of children how to deal with their minds and emotions, with the goal of creating a better future for humanity. Inspired by Brené Brown's book "Atlas of the Heart," I embarked on a journey to craft a children's book series that would empower young minds to understand and navigate their complex emotions.
In "Atlas of the Heart," I found a deep resonance with the idea that emotional literacy and resilience are essential skills for individuals to lead fulfilling lives. The book fueled my desire to create narratives that would help children explore the intricacies of their own hearts and minds. By weaving together captivating tales set in far-off galaxies, I sought to provide young readers with a safe space to explore the depths of their emotions and learn valuable lessons about empathy, self-acceptance, and emotional intelligence.
That's how I plan to change the world: one story, one child at a time.
I decided I would set the series in some far off galaxy for a few reasons:
- I've now read enough books with talking animals to make me question whether the animal kingdom has secretly learned to speak English, or if writers just really like anthropomorphizing everything.
- In today's world of constant stimulation, I think it's important to provide children with something truly engaging and unique to capture their attention.
- Honestly, I just really wanted to write books set in space. It's what I craved as a child and what I longed to read about, so it only made sense to create a series that fulfilled that desire.
Drawing from my own experiences and inner landscape, I breathed life into characters who embody different aspects of myself and represent the diverse range of emotions we all experience. Luna, the dreamer and adventurer, symbolizes the part of me that yearns to live among the stars, while Maya represents my first-born tendency to be responsible and in control. N.O.V.A. reflects my love of wordplay, and Squeaks has my quirky nature, even (as my partner likes to joke) sharing my tendency to squeak and squawk in moments of surprise.
My goal here is simple enough to understand, but much harder to execute: to help children as young as six years old understand their feelings and learn how to deal with them. I want them to know that it's okay to experience anger, sadness, and fear. Instead of running away from these emotions, I want to teach children how to face them and learn from them. It's not easy, but I'm trying my best.
Through the pages of this series, I aim to offer children a gateway to a world where emotional exploration and understanding are celebrated. By connecting with these characters and their intergalactic adventures, young readers can develop a deeper understanding of their own emotions, learn valuable coping strategies, and embark on their own journeys of self-discovery.
My vision for this book series extends beyond mere entertainment. I hope that by providing children with the tools to navigate their emotions, I can contribute to a future generation of compassionate and empathetic individuals. By fostering emotional intelligence from a young age, we can create a world where vulnerability is embraced, empathy is practiced, and kindness prevails.
In essence, this book series is a testament to the belief that storytelling has the power to shape young minds, ignite their imagination, and empower them with the skills needed to navigate life's challenges. It is my sincere hope that through these stories, children will discover the magic within themselves, develop emotional resilience, and become agents of positive change in the world.
In the end, my dream for this book series is to create a world where children can learn to embrace their emotions and vulnerabilities, and develop the skills they need to thrive in life. I hope that these stories will not only entertain and inspire young readers but also help them discover the beauty and power of their inner world. And who knows? Maybe one day, these same children will grow up to create a kinder, more compassionate world for us all.
