Children's books about bravery & kindness

Brave like Stormy.

Stories inspired by Stormy, a one-eyed rescue cat who proves that what makes us different is exactly what makes us strong.

Stormy, a winking gray cartoon cat with one eye
See the books Meet Stormy
The Books

Stories about courage, kindness, and a very brave, one-eyed cat

Stormy's Brave Beginning book cover, a rescuer holds tiny Stormy in the rain

Stormy's Brave Beginning

When a tiny, sick kitten is rescued from the side of the road during a rainstorm, no one knows if he'll survive. After losing one eye, Stormy begins a brave journey of healing, trust, and finding his forever home. Based on a true story, this heartwarming picture book helps kids ages 2–10 understand that being different does not mean being broken.

Available now Get the book on Amazon
Stormy's First Christmas book cover, Stormy by a decorated Christmas tree

Stormy's First Christmas

Stormy has never seen a Christmas tree, twinkling lights, or wrapped presents before. From cozy moments by the tree to the joy of Christmas morning, Stormy learns that the best part of the season isn't the gifts. It's being together. A sweet, comforting holiday story with gentle themes of love, family, and belonging.

Available now Get the book on Amazon
Stormy's Brave Adventure

Stormy's Brave Adventure

Stormy sets out on his biggest adventure yet. Currently in illustration. Follow along for sneak peeks and the release date.

Coming soon Subscribe for updates

Want a signed copy or a set for your classroom? Just ask.

Signed Books

Want a copy signed for a special reader? Email me and I'll personalize it just for them.

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Stormy the one-eyed gray rescue cat lounging on the couch
Meet Stormy

One eye. All heart.

Stormy is our real one-eyed cat, who lives with us in rural Minnesota. My husband found him on the side of the road during a rainstorm, tiny, sick, and alone. We knew he needed us, but it turned out we needed him too.

He got stronger, but along the way he lost an eye, and he has never let it slow him down. Stormy made us fall in love with him, and I decided his story was worth sharing.

Author Visits

Bring Stormy's story to your school or library

Ronni reading Stormy's story to a group of children seated on a colorful mat

I bring Stormy's story to schools and libraries with interactive read-alouds, photos of the real Stormy, and plenty of room for kids' questions. Along the way, we talk about seeing differences as strengths, being brave even when you're scared, and why it's never too late to try something new, like how a scared little one-eyed rescue cat became a children's book.

I'm always open to ideas that best support your mission and the families you serve.

Email Ronni to book your visit
Free

Brave Like Stormy Activities

Printable activities that turn Stormy's story into conversations about courage, kindness, and celebrating what makes each of us different.

Free

Free Activity Page

  • Stormy coloring page
  • Word search
  • Connect-the-dots
Download the free page
23 pages • $7

The Full Activity Pack

  • Stormy coloring pages
  • Discussion guide for reading together
  • Kindness Bingo & word search
  • Bravery certificate for every child
Get the Activity Pack
About the Author

Meet Ronni

I'm a mom, a physical therapist assistant, and a small business owner in rural Minnesota. I never expected to write a children's book, especially about a cat. But Stormy had other plans.

He captured our hearts and inspired me to write Stormy's Brave Beginning, a story about courage, kindness, differences, and family. Writing the book opened up a creative side I didn't know I had, and I've already gotten to inspire kids and adults to step out of their comfort zones and try something new.

I grew up in a small town in South Dakota and now live on an acreage in Minnesota with my family. Stormy rules the house, and our outside crew includes cats, chickens, a rabbit, and a mini donkey.

Dreaming of starting something new yourself? My ebook shares exactly how it happened. And don't forget to download a free activity page and follow us on social media!

Ronni Vlaminck, children's book author
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Stormy Merch

Brave Like Stormy t-shirts, sweatshirts, water bottles, puzzles, and more. A little piece of Stormy for your everyday.

Brave Like Stormy t-shirtT-Shirts
Brave Like Stormy hoodieSweatshirts
Brave Like Stormy water bottleWater Bottles
Brave Like Stormy kids puzzlePuzzles

Adult, youth, and toddler sizes available.

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@stormytherescuecat

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Check out Stormy's real life, kindness lessons, behind-the-scenes book news, and everyday crazy cat life.