For author Brittany Petish, reading Sally the Brave at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta was about more than sharing a children's book. It was about creating moments of joy, comfort, and connection for children and families navigating some of life's greatest challenges.
"It was an incredible honor," Petish says. "Hospitals can be overwhelming places, so being invited to bring a little joy, comfort, and imagination into that space meant a great deal to me."
During her visit, Petish read from Sally the Brave, a story inspired by a real deer whose resilience encourages children to embrace courage and kindness. As families gathered to listen, she saw children briefly escape the stress of hospital stays through the power of storytelling.
"What surprised me most was the atmosphere," she says. "Children's Healthcare of Atlanta was one of the kindest places I've ever been."
Petish described an environment filled with compassion, where staff welcomed every child with warmth, families supported one another, and children demonstrated remarkable resilience despite their circumstances. "You could truly feel that everyone was there with one shared purpose: to help children heal."
Unlike readings at schools or libraries, hospital story times require a different approach. Every child arrives with unique emotions and experiences, making the focus less about entertaining an audience and more about meeting children where they are.
"In a hospital, some children may be scared, uncomfortable, or simply having a difficult day," Petish explains. "Story time becomes a safe place to imagine, smile, and simply be a kid for a little while."
Following the reading, children decorated kindness jars they could take home, a hands-on activity that reinforced the book's message that even small acts of kindness can brighten someone's day.
One moment from the visit left a lasting impression. While reading, a young boy picked up her Sweet Sally plush toy and asked why the plush had a torn ear.
Petish explained that the real Sally had a torn ear and she wanted the plush to reflect her true story. The boy paused before saying the torn ear wasn't necessary, since Sally was already perfect.
"It was such a simple moment, but one I'll never forget," Petish says. "He reminded me that children often see beyond scars or imperfections. They simply see someone worthy of love."
That exchange perfectly captured the lessons she hopes children carry with them. She believes bravery can be as simple as showing up, asking for help, or believing tomorrow will be better.
"Stories provide something that's often difficult to find during a hospital stay: freedom," she says. "While stories can't heal an illness, they can absolutely lift a spirit. They create moments of laughter, connection, courage, and hope."
Petish left feeling just as inspired as the children she hoped to encourage.
"I came hoping to encourage children through Sally the Brave, but I left feeling inspired by them," she says. "Their resilience, kindness, laughter, and strength were extraordinary. Sometimes the smallest moments can make a bigger difference than we ever realize."
"Story time becomes a safe place to imagine, smile, and simply be a kid for a little while."