When Your Child Is Hesitant to Try New Things or Needs Encouragement to Embrace Life’s Adventures

Does your child hold back from new experiences?

Do they worry about starting school, new activities, or meeting new people?

Do you want to help them discover that courage brings the best rewards?

Angie Loves to Dance is the uplifting children’s book about courage that shows children ages 3-7 how to find joy in every moment — from dancing in pretty shoes to splashing in rain boots to hiking mountain trails.

Read what other reviewers and families say below

Recognition:

• Praised by Readers’ Favorite
• 5-Star Reviews on Amazon
• From the author of award-winning children’s emotional support books
• Loved by parents, teachers, and homeschool families
• Available in English, Spanish, and Italian

Written by award-winning Australian author and former primary school teacher Karen Brough, Angie Loves to Dance was inspired by a real-life friend who truly lived her dreams. This joyful story helps children discover that every day is a gift, courage follows nervousness, and they are precious and rare.

Angie Loves to Dance has been praised by Readers’ Favorite and loved by parents, teachers, and children for its joyful message about courage, adventure, and finding the extraordinary in everyday moments.

From Publication Reviews

Readers’ Favorite Review

Important: This book is not just about dance! Angie loves to dance, but she loves to do a WHOLE LOT MORE too!

Angie Loves to Dance shows children that life is full of adventures waiting to be discovered — and that the right pair of shoes can take you anywhere. Through Angie’s joyful spirit, children learn:

It’s okay to feel nervous. Angie shows that trying new things can feel scary at first, but courage brings the best rewards.

Every day is a gift. The story celebrates living in the present moment, not worrying about tomorrow, and embracing the new and exciting things that come your way.

You can find joy in ordinary moments. Whether it’s splashing in puddles, hiking a trail, or dancing under the stars, Angie finds the extraordinary in everyday things.

You are precious and rare. The book’s central message reminds every child that they are unique and valued — just as they are.

Key Messages from the Story

Hidden Hearts – A Special Feature

Throughout the book, hidden hearts are tucked into the illustrations for children to discover on each page. This interactive element adds a layer of engagement, turning reading into a joyful treasure hunt that reinforces the book’s message: you are surrounded by love.

This is not a book about perfection or pushing children beyond their comfort zone.

It is a gentle, rhyming story designed to help children see the joy in everyday moments, build courage for new experiences, and know that they are precious and rare.

Parents, teachers, and homeschool families use this book as a starting point for conversations about courage, gratitude, adventure, and self-worth.

While Karen’s personal faith informs the joy behind her writing, this story itself is warm, inclusive, and accessible to families of all backgrounds. It focuses on positive values like courage, wonder, resilience, and gratitude — making it perfect for homes, schools, and values-based education.

Angie Loves to Dance is for anyone who wants to help a child embrace life with joy, courage, and gratitude — and for anyone who needs a reminder that every day is a gift.

For Children Who Are:

• Ages 3-7 who are hesitant to try new things
• Starting school, new activities, or facing transitions
• Feeling nervous about new experiences or changes
• Moving to new places or meeting new people
• Needing encouragement to explore and express themselves
• Ready to discover that they are precious and rare

Perfect for: starting school, first swimming lessons, joining a new club, trying a new sport, or any moment when your child needs a little courage.

This Book Supports Values-Based Education

Angie Loves to Dance aligns beautifully with values-based education themes, including:

Courage & Bravery:

• Trying new things even when nervous
• Discovering that courage brings rewards
• Stepping into new adventures

Joy & Gratitude:

• Finding joy in everyday moments
• Celebrating life’s small pleasures
• Recognising each day as a gift

Wonder & Adventure:

• Exploring the world with curiosity
• Finding the extraordinary in ordinary things
• Embracing new experiences

Resilience & Self-Worth:

• Knowing you are precious and rare
• Building confidence through experience
• Living in the present moment

For Parents & Caregivers Who:

• Want to encourage their child to try new things
• Need a bedtime story that celebrates joy and courage
• Are looking for a positive, uplifting book without heavy themes
• Want to start conversations about bravery, gratitude, and self-worth

For Teachers & Homeschool Families Who:

• Need values-based education resources
• Want engaging read-aloud books for the classroom
• Are teaching themes of courage, adventure, or gratitude
• Need narrative-based activities for character education
• Want books that spark discussion and reflection

Activity Workbook – Coming Soon!

A companion activity workbook is currently in development, designed for values-based education and homeschool narrative-based activities.

The Story Journey:

Meet Angie — a joyful, adventurous girl who sees each day as a new adventure and every pair of shoes as a ticket to something wonderful.

From dancing on stage in sparkly shoes to splashing through puddles in rain boots, from hiking mountain trails in sturdy boots to twirling under the stars in glitzy heels — Angie embraces every moment with a heart full of joy.

But here’s Angie’s secret: it’s not the shoes on her feet or the clothes that she wears. It’s the abundant joy she shares everywhere.

Through gentle rhyming text and vibrant watercolour illustrations, children discover that:

• Every day is a gift, a day like never before
• Courage follows nervousness
• Joy can be found in ordinary moments
• They are precious and rare

The story ends with a beautiful bonus poem, “Angie’s Secret,” that captures the heart of the book’s message.

“I wonder what you do in your shoes? Do you clomp or stomp? Splish or splash? Do you amble, gallop, tap, or mish mash?”

Beautiful Illustrations

Illustrator Hiruni Kariyawasam brings Angie’s world to life with vibrant watercolour illustrations that burst with energy and joy. Her unique style — mixing digital and watercolour techniques — creates pages that pop with colour and movement.

Hiruni is a graduate of the University of Moratuwa in Sri Lanka and is a full-time illustrator whose pictures bring joy and delight to readers all over the world.

Hidden Hearts

Look closely — hidden hearts are tucked into the illustrations on each page! Children love discovering them, turning every reading into a joyful treasure hunt.

Bonus Poem: “Angie’s Secret”

The book includes a special bonus poem that reveals Angie’s secret — the source of her joy. It’s the perfect ending to read aloud and discuss with your child.

“Very Endearing and Thought-Provoking”

“A very endearing and thought-provoking book about enjoying life and bringing joy to others. Each different pair of shoes that Angie wears she lives to the fullest enjoying that activity and bringing joy to those around her. This is a book with deep meaning for kids and adults about making the most out of every opportunity we have.”

— Joy in the Morning, Amazon Review

“Put Those Dancin’ Shoes On!”

“Author Karen Brough has crafted a delightful story that will bring smiles for parents and children, especially little girls. It provides a wonderful lesson on discovering fresh adventures in the course of life. Sweet little Angie slips on different pairs of shoes which introduce new pathways of fun and valuable lessons.”

— Pen2Page, Amazon Review

“Must Have for Little Dancers”

“I have a daughter and granddaughter who are dancers, and they loved this book. It is a sweet book with bright beautiful illustrations. I am a Christian mom and Grammy and I always look for safe Christian books for my family. This is a winner.”

— Ransom, Amazon Review

“A Joyful Celebration of Life’s Adventures”

“Angie’s love for movement and adventure brings so much energy to this story. While it’s about dancing, it also captures the simple joys of exploring, playing, and embracing life with a sense of wonder. I also love how the book encourages curiosity and playfulness, showing kids that joy can be found in everyday moments.”

— MichSSF, Amazon Review

“My Daughter Loved It”

“My little girl loved seeing all the different shoes and clothes Angie wore in the story. She loved the art and the rhymes. She is seven and recommends to any kid.”

— Mary Grace, Amazon Review

“A Good Story to Explain How to Live in the Current”

“It is a good story to explain to my son how to live in the current.”

— Stephen, Amazon Review

“Every Day is a Celebration”

“I loved this book. Angie picked a different pair of shoes for every adventure she wanted to go on. Angie celebrated daily her life and all that was around her. Huzzah to the author.”

— M Greenman, Amazon Review

“Pure Happiness in Book Form”

“This book is pure sunshine. Angie’s got this infectious energy, and the way she pulls everyone around her into her dance world is just delightful. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to get up and twirl, no matter how old you are. My niece loved it too; she’s been ‘dancing like Angie’ nonstop since she got it!”

— Michael Hunter, Amazon Review

Karen Brough — Author

The Story Behind the Story

Angie was inspired by a dear friend who lived with abundant joy and grabbed hold of every moment.

She was someone whose life touched many people — a teacher, adventurer, and beloved friend who saw each day as a gift. When she laughed, the whole room lit up. She found the extraordinary in ordinary things and shared her joy everywhere she went.

Karen wrote this story to share that same spirit with children everywhere — the reminder that you are precious and rare, that every day is a gift, and that joy is something you carry with you wherever you go.

“Not the shoes on her feet, or the clothes that she wears, but the abundant joy she shares everywhere.”

Today, Angie Loves to Dance is loved by parents, teachers, and homeschool families to encourage children to embrace life with courage, gratitude, and joy.

Karen Brough is an award-winning author from Melbourne, Australia, with a heart for creating stories that inspire courage, hope, and joy.

Other Award-Winning Books by Karen:

The Tale of The Little Black Cloud

Award-winning book about sadness, friendship, and emotional resilience, endorsed by psychologists

Hiruni Kariyawasam – Illustrator

Hiruni Kariyawasam is from Sri Lanka and lives in her hometown of Ambalangoda. She graduated from the University of Moratuwa with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design and is now a full-time illustrator.

Her vibrant watercolour illustrations bring joy and delight to readers all over the world. She enjoys painting, drawing fine illustrations, and especially creating children’s book illustrations in her unique style, mixing digital and watercolour techniques.

Her work on Angie Loves to Dance has been praised by Readers’ Favorite as “vibrant watercolor illustrations beautifully complement the text, bursting with energy and capturing Angie’s exuberance.”

Title: Angie Loves to Dance

Subtitle: Finding Joy in Life’s Adventures

Author: Karen Brough

Illustrator: Hiruni Kariyawasam

Publisher: Heart Hope Publishing, Melbourne, Australia

Page Count: 27 pages

Age Range: Ages 3-7 (though all ages find joy in its message)

Recognition:

• Praised by Readers’ Favorite
• Loved by parents, teachers, and homeschool families
• From the author of award-winning emotional support books

Formats Available:

• Ebook (ISBN: 978-1-922967-21-3)
• Paperback (ISBN: 978-1-922967-22-0)
• Hardback (ISBN: 978-1-922967-23-7)
• Audiobook (ISBN: 978-1-922967-24-4) – Narrated by the author

Available Languages: English | Spanish | Italian

Coming Soon: Companion activity workbook for values-based education and homeschool families

If this book has supported your child, you may also find comfort in Karen Brough’s other gentle, award-winning stories.

I Can’t Believe They’re Gone

When your child is experiencing grief and loss, this award-winning book helps children ages 4-8 understand that everyone grieves differently – and that all feelings are okay. Endorsed by grief professionals including Dianne McKissock OAM. Winner of Reader’s Favorite Gold Medal and Firebird Book Award.

The Tale of The Little Black Cloud

When your child is carrying feelings too heavy for their little heart. This award-winning book helps children ages 3-7 understand that it’s okay to feel sad, that tears are important, and that sharing feelings makes us lighter. Endorsed by Psychologist Rachel McGregor MAPS.

This children’s book about courage is praised by Readers’ Favorite and loved by parents, teachers, and homeschool families searching for joyful, uplifting picture books about trying new things, starting school, facing transitions, and finding joy in everyday moments. Perfect for values-based education, character development, and encouraging hesitant or nervous children ages 3-7.

What age is this book for?

Angie Loves to Dance is designed for children ages 3-7. However, as one reviewer shared, “This is a book with deep meaning for kids and adults about making the most out of every opportunity we have.”

Is this book just about dancing?

No! While Angie does love to dance, she loves to do a whole lot more too. The book follows Angie through many adventures — dancing on stage, splashing in puddles, hiking mountain trails, exploring, and more. Each pair of shoes takes her on a different adventure.

Will this help my nervous or hesitant child?

Yes — in a gentle, encouraging way. The story shows children that it’s okay to feel nervous, but courage brings the best rewards. Angie’s joyful approach to life helps children see that new experiences can be exciting rather than scary. Perfect for starting school, first swimming lessons, joining a new club, or trying a new sport.

Can teachers and homeschool families use this book?

Absolutely! The book aligns with values-based education themes including courage, adventure, gratitude, resilience, and self-worth. Readers’ Favorite recommends it “for reading aloud in a classroom or at home” and for “home and school libraries.” A companion activity workbook is coming soon.

What’s the key message of the book?

The central messages are: “Each day is a gift, a day like never before” and “Remember like Angie, you are precious and rare!” The book celebrates living in the present, finding joy in ordinary moments, and recognising your unique value.

What’s “Angie’s Secret”?

The book includes a bonus poem called “Angie’s Secret” that reveals the source of Angie’s joy: “Not the shoes on her feet, or the clothes that she wears, but the abundant joy she shares everywhere.”

Are there hidden hearts in this book too?

Yes! Like Karen’s other books, hidden hearts are tucked into the illustrations on each page for children to discover — turning reading into a joyful treasure hunt.

Is there a companion workbook?

A companion activity workbook is currently in development, designed for values-based education and homeschool narrative-based activities. Join the newsletter at karenbrough.com to be notified when it’s available.

Can I order in bulk for my organisation?

Yes! Contact Karen directly for bulk pricing for schools, libraries, and organisations.

Available in:

Perfect for:

• Children who need encouragement to try new things
• Starting school or new activity celebrations
• School and classroom libraries
• Homeschool families and values-based education
• Birthday gifts that inspire joy and courage
• Any child who needs reminding they are precious and rare

For Bulk Orders: Contact Karen directly for bulk pricing for organisations.

Coming Soon: Activity workbook for values-based education

Karen Brough is an author from Melbourne, Australia, passionate about creating stories that bring comfort and hope to children and adults alike.

Website: www.karenbrough.com

Children’s Books: www.karenbrough.com/kids

Free Resources: www.karenbrough.com/free-resources

Social Media:

Publisher:

Heart Hope Publishing Melbourne, Australia

Has this book helped your child embrace new adventures?

Your thoughts matter! Please consider leaving a review to help other families discover Angie Loves to Dance.

Where to Review: Amazon | Goodreads | Your favourite bookseller

Thank you for supporting children’s joy and courage.