New Picture Book from Brave Kids Books Reminds Children That Family Is Defined by Love, Not by Who Is Missing

BETHESDA, Md., Nov. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Brave Kids Books, a division of Brave Healer Productions, is proud to announce its new picture book for children ages 5 to 9, The Father's Day Potato, written by Stacy Randell-Shaheen and illustrated by Farheen Fatima.

With warmth, tenderness, and imagination, the book offers families a gentle year-round way to start conversations on a difficult subject: Why do some children have fathers when others don't?

Randell-Shaheen, a parent educator and single mother, created a story that celebrates the strength of a mother's love, the importance of feeling accepted, and the meaningful relationships that help children grow.

In the book, Sam Grady's class is asked to make a Father's Day potato, but Sam doesn't know what to do because he doesn't have a father. After he turns to his mother for answers, she helps him explore the many ways families come together. Through an honest, loving conversation, Sam begins to understand that his father's decision to leave before he was born was never his fault.

Laura Di Franco, CEO of Brave Healer Productions, says the book can help children with absent fathers or living in single-parent families. "It offers an affirmation that a loving home is not incomplete simply because one parent is absent," she says. "For parents and caregivers, it provides a gentle starting point for conversations about family differences, identity, and belonging in all families. For teachers and educators, it offers a thoughtful story to support discussions about family diversity, inclusion, and the different experiences children bring to the classroom."

Praise for the book

"The Father's Day Potato reminds readers that what matters most is not whether a family fits a particular mold but whether a child is surrounded by love, care, and meaningful relationships. It is a heartfelt reminder that love defines a family, and the power of a mother's love can make an immeasurable difference in a child's life." — Dr. Glen McKay, school principal

"Each time I read this beautiful book, tears come to my eyes, and I feel a lump in my throat. The story skilfully pushes back on stereotypes that cause pain for those who don't fit an idealized version of 'family.' With its beautiful illustrations, it offers both children and the adults in their lives a loving way to hold important conversations when the children they love are hurting, feeling sad and puzzled by what is happening to them. This story and its illustrations are profoundly and wondrously poignant—a unique contribution to children's literature, valuable for humans of all ages who are in the lives of children." — Donna Haig Friedman, Ph.D., former director, Center for Social Policy, UMass Boston

About the Author

Stacy Randell-Shaheen is a playwright, social justice advocate, educator, and podcaster who worked with children, teenagers, and adults for over 40 years. She wrote the book to explain father absence to her son and help other mothers and caregivers start conversations with their children. Randell-Shaheen is co-creator of the Personal Power for the Common Good podcast.

Connect with Stacy Randell-Shaheen here.

About Brave Kids Books

Brave Kids Books draws its authors from healers and wellness practitioners who specialize in sharing important messages with children about being brave, speaking up, and understanding the magical gifts they possess. The company provides coaching and strategy sessions, design and editing services, and assistance with book launches and marketing.

For more information about Brave Kids Books, visit https://www.lauradifranco.com/brave-kids-books

Contact: Laura Di Franco, (703) 915-3653; [email protected]

SOURCE Brave Healer Productions