Being Brave Too

“Being Brave Too is a unique book about the story of friendship and having courage to stand in your own power. Told through the eyes of three girls with emails, letters and journal notes, the story canvasses a revived friendship, reconnections with a matriarch and dealing with bullying on social media.

I enjoyed how the entwined tips and skills equip young women to deal with life’s challenges, especially through adolescence where the negative voice can get loud and unruly. But taking on a cause bigger than yourself is always a way to find your own resilience. Caring for the environment and wildlife can shine a light on the interconnectedness of life. The messages of strength and the tools to plan and deal with life are well integrated into the story, making it an interesting empowering read.”

Dr Terri Janke, Indigenous leader, solicitor and CEO of Terri Janke and Company

“If you are a parent wondering if you should give this book to your daughter (or son) then I recommend you do. Being Brave Too is full of the tales of girls growing up, experiencing so much in life. It reminded me of the first time my daughter, Katie, mentioned Best Friends Forever, having to wear the same thing as a best friend (or not!), school trips and birthday parties (lots of them), winning, losing, dreams and being scared, boys. So many things, hopes and expectations.

Being Brave Too shows the importance of being resilient and fearless or to fear less. It is also a reminder that the learning does not stop,

growing continues, change happens, and that our daughters will get through it positively with the right tools and support.”

David Turnbull, Leadership and executive coach and father to Katie

Sema and Hester live with their families in neighbouring suburbs of Sydney. With their life and work experiences, Sema and Hester know that developing a personal tool kit helps to provide support in whatever girls choose to do in their lives. When Sema is not writing, she leads a team of professionals improving governance and conduct in a leading financial services organisation. She is the deputy chair and director of one of Australia’s largest not-for-profit providers of childcare and early education services. Sema is also an executive coach on ethics. As for Hester, previously a corporate and financial services lawyer, she is now working on developing disability and social housing. Hester is also on the governing body of a women and children’s shelter located in south-east Sydney. Sema and Hester understand the essence of motherhood and parenting and being a crucial example to their children, families and communities. Through their life experiences and their friendship, they are now inspiring girls to stand up for what they think is right and to be confident and courageous through their books.

Jelena Sinik is a talented, award-winning animated filmmaker, designer and illustrator from Sydney. Jelena has animated various projects in the public art sector, including award winning projection shows for Sydneys VIVID Lights Festival. She also teaches at the School of Arts Media at UNSW. Jelena has won several awards for her animated films and has been festival-screened internationally numerous times. She is the 2018 ATOM Award winner for Best Tertiary Animation in Australia.