I Am Calm, I Am Brave is a children's picture book that gently introduces young readers to emotional awareness and self-regulation through affirmations and supportive storytelling. Centered on the warm relationship between Elena and Carver, the story helps children recognize and accept feelings such as happiness, sadness, worry, frustration, loneliness, and bravery.
With simple, reassuring language and symbolic animal companions woven throughout the narrative, the book encourages children to pause, breathe, and understand that all feelings are normal and temporary. The story emphasizes kindness, confidence, and emotional safety while modeling supportive connection and co regulation between children.
This edition includes a reflective "Big Feelings, Gentle Tools We Learned" section that reinforces emotional understanding in clear, age-appropriate language. It also features a "Calm and Brave Fun" activity section with suggested breathing, movement, and reflection exercises for children. A short "Big Feelings" poem for little ones and a companion caregiver poem provide meaningful closing moments for shared reading.
Designed for toddlers and preschoolers, I Am Calm, I Am Brave supports social emotional learning at home, in classrooms, and in therapeutic settings.
Espinoza, Elena: - Elena Espinoza is a thoughtful children's author whose stories celebrate culture, curiosity, and connection. Her adventures highlight heritage, family bonds, and the beauty of asking meaningful questions. Through science themed explorations and heartfelt storytelling, Elena represents determination, warmth, and pride in identity. As a children's author with Keepsake Verse Studio, she encourages young readers to embrace their roots, their voice, and their love of learning.
Marin, Carver: - Carver Marin is a young children's author, bold thinker, and big dreamer behind many of the investing, science, and problem-solving adventures at Keepsake Verse Studio. From learning about stocks with his dog Moose and cat Churro to exploring lasers, chemistry, and smart money habits, Carver shows children that learning can be exciting and empowering. His stories focus on financial literacy, resilience, and curiosity, teaching kids that they are never too young to understand how the world works. As a children's author, Carver represents confidence, leadership, and the courage to try something new.
Traci, Nana: - Nana Traci is a scientist turned storyteller who believes curiosity is one of the greatest gifts we can give a child. With a background in biochemistry, public health, and clinical education, she spent years teaching complex science in labs and lecture halls. But everything shifted one Easter Sunday when she missed her grandchildren deeply and began writing a story just for them.What started as a simple act of love grew into a library of playful, heartwarming children's books that blend real science with imagination, kindness, and connection. Nana Traci writes to spark questions, inspire empathy, and help children see the beauty in learning and in one another. Her stories weave STEM concepts into cozy adventures, giving young readers both knowledge and emotional safety.As a mother and nana of five, she pours her whole heart into each page. She hopes her books become keepsakes that her grandchildren will one day share with their own children. Through Keepsake Verse Studio, Nana Traci creates stories that honor curiosity, celebrate differences, and remind readers of all ages that love and learning belong together.
