Q&A with Karen Henrich

  

 

 

Karen Henrich is the author of the new children's picture book Brave Like Me. She is the founder of the nonprofit Moment by Moment, and she lives in California.

 

Q: What inspired you to write Brave Like Me?

 

A: There’s a fun twist to the book’s beginnings: I first dreamed up the concept and wrote a simple version of the story in fourth grade! I even have the original book :)

 

Many years later, my work with Moment by Moment gave that childhood idea a deeper purpose. I founded the nonprofit 20 years ago to provide complimentary professional photography for families of children with life-limiting illnesses and chronically life-impacting conditions.

 

These families have shown me how courage, love, and laughter can be present during uncertain times. Returning to my childhood story, I wanted to bring that spirit into a gentle, playful adventure for every child—because all children encounter things that feel big or unfamiliar.

 

Q: What do you think Jordan Foster’s illustrations add to the book?

 

A: Two years ago, Jordan and I were sitting at a little table for two in a restaurant in Los Angeles. Knowing she worked at Warner Bros., I asked whether she knew an illustrator who might help bring my book concept to life. Her simple response was, “I will do it.”

 

Jordan has given each character such a wonderful personality. Her expressive illustrations help children see what the friends are feeling, from uncertainty to curiosity and delight. She brings warmth and humor to the story and creates a woodland world children can imagine stepping into.

 

For young readers, those visual details tell so much of the story, and it has been incredibly special to see my childhood idea come to life through her artwork.

 

Q: What do you think the story says about bravery?

 

A: To me, bravery means taking a small step forward even when you feel unsure. In Brave Like Me, the friends lean on one another and discover that something can seem much scarier before you understand it.

 

I love the idea that curiosity and friendship can help us look at a situation differently—and that being brave doesn’t mean you have to do everything alone.

 

Q: What do you hope kids take away from the story?

 

A: I hope children feel reassured that it’s okay to be afraid, ask questions, and reach for a friend or family member’s hand.

 

I also hope they remember the fun the friends have along the way. There is so much joy in exploring together, making discoveries, and enjoying the journey.

 

Most of all, I want children to recognize their own small moments of bravery.

 

Q: What are you working on now? 

 

A: I’m working on a Spanish edition of Brave Like Me so more families can share the story in the language they speak at home. This edition is targeted to launch in the early spring of 2027. 

 

As of my book launch day, I also completed  a board book for younger children, with shorter rhymes, playful sounds, and the same much-loved woodland friends.

 

Alongside those projects, I’m creating an activity kit with coloring pages and simple activities that extend the story’s themes of friendship, curiosity, and courage which will be downloadable through the website.

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. This Q&A was conducted in partnership with Karen Henrich. Readers who follow along on this virtual book tour will have the chance to win a hardcover copy of Brave Like Me by Karen Henrich, perfect for little readers who love a not-so-scary surprise!