Those who love Guts and Smile will love Olivia the Brave for their younger readers.

In this heartwarming children's book about anxiety, Olivia wants to join her friends and older brother in fun activities, like going to sleepovers and feeding the giraffes at the zoo. But every time she tries, her tummy fills with worries, and her hands get all sweaty.

Olivia has been getting a lot of tummy aches lately, which feel like a swarm of butterflies. She has also been feeling nervous and a tiny bit sad.

It isn't only giant giraffes that make her belly feel funny, either. Sometimes those tricky tummy aches sneak up when she is at school, and she is scared she might get sick in front of her friends. . .

When Olivia's mom takes her to see Dr. Lemon, a child therapist, Olivia learns all about anxiety—and with Dr. Lemon's guidance, Olivia starts to understand her feelings and build the confidence to try new things.

In this self-worth book for children, readers will learn,

• It's okay to feel nervous or anxious—everyone experiences these feelings sometimes.
• Understanding and managing emotions is a skill that can be learned.
• Bravery isn't about being fearless; it's about facing challenges despite fear.
• Support from family, friends, and trusted adults can make a huge difference in handling anxiety.

Through Olivia's journey, young readers will learn valuable techniques for managing their own worries, showing them that true bravery comes from believing in themselves and taking things one step at a time.

Olivia the Brave is the perfect gift for children with anxiety and for fans of Guts and Smile and Inside Out.

Lindsey Young is a Twin Cities-based writer and storyteller, balancing her full-time work for the Minnesota Vikings with her passion for mental health advocacy. A native of Anoka, Minnesota, and a graduate of the University of Northwestern-St. Paul, Lindsey brings heart and authenticity to her writing. Once a cautious and sensitive child, she now views her experiences with anxiety as a strength and uses them to encourage and uplift young readers.

Lindsey is a follower of Jesus, a proud aunt to Oliver, Audrey, and Henley, and a loving dog mom to Tater. She enjoys sending handwritten letters, capturing moments through photography, and surrounding herself with bright colors. Known for her warm, relatable style, Lindsey aims to tell stories that remind people—especially children—that they are seen, valued, and immensely loved.

"As adults, we know a lot about that 'funny feeling in your tummy.' Olivia the Brave is a timeless and relatable story that demonstrates Olivia's courage in confronting her fears and the challenges she faces as a result of her anxiety. The book deals with a difficult subject matter, but in a way that is helpful for all audiences - young children and adults, those of us who are anxious, and those of us who aren't. The beauty of the story is that while the reader gains insight into what Olivia is going through, Olivia gains insight into herself, and with that knowledge, both the reader and Olivia are more powerful." — Alan Page and Kamie Page

"Welcome to Olivia's world, which is painted in vivid, visceral detail. But in Olivia's world, there's also an important topic (anxiety) and actionable ways for anyone fortunate enough to read this tale to apply to their kids and their lives. The second half of that is critically important because, in a world where anxiety runs rampant, what matters is better understanding; techniques, like those described in Olivia's story; and more kindness, overall. This book accomplishes all those aims, in a very tight space. Every parent who worries about anxiety should read it. Every parent who doesn't should read it, too." — Greg Bishop, senior writer, Sports Illustrated

"With Olivia the Brave, Lindsey Young has crafted a remarkable story demystifying the experience of anxiety. She artfully weaves expressive speech that will help children give voice to their experience, while assisting parents and caregivers in both recognizing its presence and understanding the child's inner world. In coupling accessible language with modest scientific explanation, Lindsey normalizes for the reader what can often be a confusing experience. Olivia the Brave is a story that entertains, educates, and reduces stigma. Lindsey has made a wonderful contribution to the well-being of our world." — Joseph Biancardi, MA, LP, dean of support services and director of counseling, University Northwestern-St. Paul

"As parents of children who tend to run on the anxious side, we love how Olivia the Brave highlights not only the physical traits of anxiety but also addresses the many facets of care that can help alleviate anxiety. Everyone responds to different situations in different ways and needs different care. It's important to spread awareness and normalize that, especially at a young age. Lindsey's heart for things seen and unseen is present throughout the story. Highly recommend!" — Vikings fullback C. J. Ham and wife Stephanie Ham

"This is a much-needed resource for clinicians as well as parents and kids. Lindsey manages to take some of the stigma out of anxiety with this book and explain the feelings, physical symptoms, and even coping skills related to anxiety in a way that kids can understand and adults can use to fill in their knowledge. I want to have this book on my office shelf—and gracing story time in any home affected by anxiety." — Larry Young, MD, child/adolescent psychiatrist

"Olivia the Brave is an essential read for children and parents in these modern times. Lindsey does a terrific job of turning a very complex issue into an easily digestible and relatable topic by pulling us into Olivia's world and seeing anxiety through her eyes. Reading this book will help children understand the issue that so many their age experience. It will also give parents a clear path to walk down with their kids and help them process their feelings as they navigate growing up in this day and age." — Jon Krawczynski, senior writer, The Athletic

"Giving kids the words to talk about their emotions and mental health is some of the most essential work happening on the planet right now. This book does just that. A beautiful, impactful, and fun read that will help so many." — Bryan Piatt, MA, mental health therapist

"I loved Olivia the Brave! Lindsey captured a child's perspective well, created an informative story, and also included fun little details that make the story come alive for readers of all ages!" — Janine Schultz, licensed marriage and family therapist

"Lindsey Young normalizes anxiety in this fun book using language and tone that children will absorb and, more importantly, enjoy. Olivia is like many kids who recognize they don't feel right but can't recognize why. Her journey toward feeling better, through education and coping strategies, is a message intended for youngsters but will resonate for all. As Olivia's mother says, 'Everybody has different abilities and different challenges. Some are easy to see, and some are invisible.'" — Kevin Seifert, ESPN reporter