Author Cait Rose
Meet Author Cait Rose
Cait Rose is the author and creative mind behind Born to Be Brave the book, a children’s story designed to foster emotional intelligence and meaningful parent–child connections. With a background as a professional artist and illustrator, Cait Rose brought her creative vision to life not only through the words on the page, but also through the imagery that shapes the story.
Determined to see her book in the hands of families, she dove into every stage of the publishing process—writing, co-illustrating, designing, and ultimately (and unintentionally) self-publishing her debut. What began as a passion project quickly became a testament to her resilience and artistry, as she mastered each role along the way. Today, Cait continues to create stories and artwork that inspire families to read, imagine, and grow together.
The Vision
Born to Be Brave the book was created to do more than tell a story—it was designed to start conversations and spark creativity. Cait Rose envisioned a children’s book that invited families to sit together, not just to read, but to share, reflect, and create side by side.
At the center of the story is Alex Lee, a gender-neutral character named in honor of Cait’s grandmother, Leila Rose. Alex was created so every child could see themselves in the story, regardless of who they are. The book was written with children in mind who may be stepping into new experiences—like entering a new school for the first time—and encourages them to find bravery in everyday moments.
Symbolism runs throughout the pages. The spiraling dots represent the lasting presence of loved ones who guide us right by our side even when unseen.
Visually, the book began with hand-drawn illustrations, later refined digitally, to blend traditional artistry with modern design. Many of the images remain in black and white, inviting children to color them in and make the story their own.
Hidden messages tucked throughout the pages encourage discovery and interpretation, while interactive elements inspire children to express their creativity beyond the story itself.
The ultimate vision was not just to publish a book, but to create a true classic—a story that feels alive in the hands of families, one that helps children see bravery in themselves and reminds parents that every page is an opportunity for connection.
The Development of the Story
The journey of Born to Be Brave the book began with a simple idea and a sketchbook. Every image in the story was first created by hand—carefully drawn in pencil and ink before ever touching a computer screen. Cait wanted each page to carry the warmth and authenticity that only hand-drawn art can bring. Once the illustrations were complete, they were refined and transformed digitally, blending traditional artistry with modern design.
The story itself grew alongside the art, with words and pictures woven together to create an interactive experience meant to spark conversations and creativity. From the earliest doodles to the final polished pages, the book is the product of countless hours of drawing, erasing, reimagining, and perfecting—each detail intentionally crafted to reflect the bravery and heart at the core of the story.