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Out now · Book 1 of 10

Brave Little Hearts

Three best friends. One magical bear. A rescue beneath the sea… do you dare?

The first rhyming picture book from Greystones author Nastassja Pretorius. A sparkly, big-hearted adventure about friendship, courage and finding the brave inside you.

Get your copy Peek at the story
  • Ages 5–7
  • 24 pages
  • Illustrated by Emma Healy
Cover of Brave Little Hearts: three smiling girls high-fiving inside a big pink heart on a sky-blue background.

The story

One day in the park, a teddy bear began to shimmer…

Lilly, Ella and Sophie are three best friends having an ordinary day in the park. Then they meet Shimmering Fluff, a magical teddy bear with a very big problem: deep beneath the sea, the young merchildren are trapped, and only the bravest of hearts can help.

With a handful of magical crystals and each other, the girls set off on a sparkling rescue mission, and discover that real bravery doesn't come from magic. It comes from within.

  • Friendship
  • Confidence
  • Teamwork
  • Helping others
  • Big feelings

Who's who

  • Lilly, with a brown ponytail and round blue glasses.

    Lilly

    The Planner

    Confident · Thoughtful · Empathetic

    She loves video games and anime.

  • Ella, with blonde curls and a backwards red cap.

    Ella

    The Doer

    Brave · Energetic · Kind

    She loves sporty activities and her friends.

  • Sophie, with curly brown hair and pink bobbles, reading a book.

    Sophie

    The Heart

    Kind · Grounded · Curious

    She loves reading and discovering new things.

  • Shimmering Fluff, a fluffy golden teddy bear, smiling and waving.

    Shimmering Fluff

    The Magical Guide

    Brave · Wise · Caring

    He travels the world to find brave, empathetic and kind children who can help the creatures of his realm.

Book facts

Format
Paperback, 24 pages
Size
21 × 21 cm
Reading age
5–7 years
Published
5 September 2026
Publisher
Atlantic Papers
Illustrator
Emma Healy
ISBN
978-1738517596

How it all began

It started as a bedtime story

One night, Nastassja's daughter asked for a very particular kind of story: an adventure starring herself and her two best friends, as superheroes.

So her mum made one up. That bedtime story became Brave Little Hearts… and the start of a ten-book series.

Proof that the best stories are made for someone you love.

Nastassja Pretorius smiling, resting her chin on her hand.

Meet the author

Nastassja Pretorius

Nastassja grew up in South Africa and has called Ireland home for over 22 years. Today she lives in Greystones, Co. Wicklow, with her husband and their daughter, the very first fan of Brave Little Hearts.

She's a graphic designer and tutor with more than a decade of experience creating educational materials and visual learning resources, and she runs Lillycat STEM and creative workshops for children.

Her stories mix original rhyming poetry, big-hearted adventure and bright, joyful colour. They're made for reading aloud, again and again.

  • South Africa → Greystones
  • Graphic designer
  • Lillycat STEM workshops
  • 7 stories written so far!

“combining poetry, narrative and enchanting imagery”

Atlantic Papers Press
In the news A Greystones Mum's Brave Little Book Adventure The Greystones Guide

The adventure ahead

This is only book one!

Ten magical adventures are planned for Lilly, Ella and Sophie. Seven are already written. The next one splashes down in October 2026.

  1. 1Book 1: Brave Little Hearts, out now
  2. 2Book 2: coming October 2026
  3. 3Book 3: written and waiting
  4. 4Book 4: written and waiting
  5. 5Book 5: written and waiting
  6. 6Book 6: written and waiting
  7. 7Book 7: written and waiting
  8. 8Book 8: still being dreamed up
  9. 9Book 9: still being dreamed up
  10. 10Book 10: still being dreamed up

Book 1 · Out now

Brave Little Hearts

Launched on 5 September 2026 at the Cork International Hotel as part of WAVE26. Now landing on bookshelves and bedside tables!

Book 2 · October 2026

The next adventure

Where will the crystals lead next? Follow along and be the first to find out.

For little readers

Get your brave on!

Need a brave boost?

Tap the big heart for a little dose of courage.

Ready when you are! Tap the heart.

Your very own bravery certificate

Type your name, print it out and pop it on the fridge.

Official certificate

Brave Little Heart

This certifies that

has a brave little heart: kind, curious and ready for adventure!

Signed, Shimmering Fluff

Your name stays on this device. Nothing is sent anywhere.

Get your copy

Bring the adventure home

Straight from the publisher

Atlantic Papers Press

Order direct from the Irish publisher in Co. Mayo.

€15.99

Buy direct

Shop local

Your bookshop or library

Ask them to order it in. Just quote the ISBN:

978-1738517596