Cal, The Brave Little Red Car
A story that helps children embrace what makes them unique.
Written by Shannon Theobald, LPC
Illustrated by Anya Maruschak
Meet Cal
Hi! I'm Cal.
I'm a little red car with a VERY big heart.
I've had a few repairs that make me different from some other cars, including a special engine and a lightning bolt-shaped scar.
But along the way, I learned something important...
The things that make us different can also become the things that make us brave.
I'm so glad you're here, and I can't wait to share my story with you!
Why I Created Cal
Every child deserves to feel proud of exactly who they are.
As a therapist, and even more personally, as the mom of a child born with a congenital heart condition, I wanted to create the book I wished we'd had—a story that could help my son understand his medical journey in an empowering way.
When children experience surgeries, scars, medical equipment, or other medical differences, it can be difficult to know how to begin those conversations. I wanted to create a story that not only helps children see themselves with confidence and pride, but also gives parents and caregivers a gentle, age-appropriate way to explain medical experiences through a character who helps children feel seen and understood.
Cal reminds us that our differences aren't something to hide, they’re part of the story that makes us uniquely brave.
Whether your family is preparing for a surgery, adjusting to life after one, living with a medical condition, or simply looking for a meaningful way to start important conversations, I hope Cal's story brings comfort, connection, and confidence to your family.
With love,
Shannon
Heart Mom • Therapist • Author
How Cal Can Help
Whether you're preparing for a procedure, adjusting to life after surgery, or simply looking for the right words to begin an important conversation, Cal was created to support both children and the people who love them.
Every family's journey is different, but Cal's story can help by:
💙 Creating a safe, age-appropriate way to talk about surgeries, scars, medical devices, and medical differences.
💙 Helping children build confidence by celebrating what makes them unique.
💙 Encouraging meaningful conversations, questions, and emotional connection between children and the grown-ups who love and care for them.
💙 Reminding children that they are so much more than a diagnosis, a scar, or a medical condition.
💙 Inspiring families to embrace courage, resilience, and hope, together.
Sometimes the hardest part is knowing how to begin the conversation. Cal helps you take the first step—together.
Bring Cal Home
Every family has a story.
If Cal can help your child feel a little more confident, help your family feel a little more connected, or make one difficult conversation a little easier, then he has done exactly what he was created to do.
I'd be honored for Cal to become a small part of your family's journey.
Continue the Journey
Cal's story is just the. beginning.
If you're looking for additional support, trusted organizations, conversation starters, or resources to help your family navigate life with confidence, I've gathered a collection of tools that I hope you'll find helpful.
Wherever your family's journey leads, I hope Cal reminds your child that they are brave, loved, and never alone.