Brave New Girl, by Lou Hamilton

"Big dreams start in play."

Lou Hamilton has a message for girls and women everywhere: Be brave.  In her new book of inspiration, Brave New Girl: How to Be Fearless, she wants you to "start to imagine being anything you want to be."  With her simple pen-and-ink drawings and brief words of wisdom, encouragement, and inspiration, she spreads positivity and confidence.

Some of the quotes are tried and true ("Reach for the stars."  "Take the road less travelled.")  Others, if not original, are less commonly heard.  ("Step out from your hiding place."  "Embrace the loop-the-loop.")  By the way, I know many of the challenges girls and women face in the world are different from those that men and boys face, but there's not a thing in here that couldn't inspire a guy.

Brave New Girl is cute and inspiring.  Give it to a girl you know who could use a pick-me-up.

"Spread the love."