Student publishes children's book inspired by her own journey

The Little Brave Bear, written and illustrated by 28-year-old Caitlin MacKay, tells the story of a small bear who embarks on a journey to help his friends, discovering along the way that being brave doesn't mean never feeling scared, it means choosing to help others, even when you are.

The book is aimed at children aged three to seven and features charming woodland characters alongside a message about friendship, resilience and self-belief.

For Caitlin, the story has a deeply personal meaning. Having been diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome when she was younger, she wanted to create a book that would show children facing their own difficulties that bravery can be found in small everyday actions.

Caitlin says, "I've always been interested in writing and creating stories. Learning to adjust to life after my Tourette's diagnosis was challenging, but as I got older, I realised there was bravery in overcoming those experiences.

"I wanted to create something for children who may be going through difficult situations, whatever those might be. There isn't one specific journey that defines being brave. Even when you don't feel brave, helping other people and showing kindness to yourself and others are acts of bravery.

"Sometimes we attach bravery to a place, an object or something outside ourselves. The book reinforces the idea that bravery is already within you."

Inspired by her childhood favourite, Percy the Park Keeper by Nick Butterworth, Caitlin began developing the story that would eventually become The Brave Little Bear. The journey from initial concept to publication took around six months, evolving significantly from its original form as a competition entry.

Caitlin says, "I decided that one way or another it was going to be published. I revisited the illustrations, refined the story and continued developing it until it became the version that exists today."

Returning to education as a mature student was in itself an act of bravery for Caitlin, who spent several years working in a variety of jobs before rediscovering her passion for art during lockdown.

Now in her final year at Solent, she credits the course with helping her build the confidence and professional skills needed to turn creative ideas into real-world opportunities.

Caitlin found the second-year Editorial module particularly valuable. Designed to prepare students for careers in the creative industries, it gave her first-hand experience of working with industry clients, responding to live briefs and developing work for publication.

Through one such project, Caitlin successfully designed the current autumn/winter cover for the city’s Southampton Cultural Services Exhibition and Events Guide after impressing judges with her response to a competitive client brief.

Caitlin says, "The live briefs give you a real taste of professional practice and help build your confidence.

"The course also encourages you to be proactive, seize opportunities when they arise, and create your own."

Caitlin chose Solent University after researching illustration degrees and finding a course that combined creativity with professional development, delivered by lecturers with extensive industry experience.

Jon Trayner, one of Caitlin’s lecturers says, “It came as no surprise to me when Caitlin said she had got her book published. Her hard work and perseverance, and the quality of her illustrations, has been evident throughout the course. It has been a genuine pleasure helping her develop her practice.”

Following the publication of The Little Brave Bear, Caitlin is already developing her next children's book and hopes to pursue a career creating stories and characters that resonate with young readers.

She says, "I'd like to have as many children as possible enjoy the stories. Right now, it's about building strong foundations so that when I graduate, I already have something established that I can continue to grow."

The Little Brave Bear is now available on www.thegreatbritishbookshop.co.uk and www.caitlin-mackay.com