What helps us move through fear instead of getting stuck in it?
For New York Times bestselling author, animal advocate, mother, and BDA Baby podcast host Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt, the answer begins with the bond between animals and children and the resilience that grows through it. Her new children’s book, Kat and Brandy, tells the story of a young girl and a rescue pony who learn to trust one another, showing how love and patience can turn fear into confidence.
For the full interview, listen to our Evolving with Gratitude podcast episode. Also available on your favorite podcast platform.
Kat and Brandy
“I’ve had this idea for this story for several years,” Katherine shared. “It’s based on my friendship and my connection that I had with my childhood horse growing up.”
The story emerged from more than just the bond between a girl and a pony; it explores bravery, patience, and trust. “I wanted to have an animal be a part of this story, but also have the story really be one that talks about overcoming your fears and bravery and courage,” she said. “It was a story that’s based on my own experience, working through my fears of a horse and overcoming my fears, tapping into my inner bravery and courage, and doing that with the support of my mom in a shared activity outdoors.”
That experience of facing fear and building trust left a lasting mark. “The confidence and the pride that comes when a child is able to work through that… that’s powerful,” she reflected.
The Healing Power of Animals
Katherine’s life has been deeply shaped by animals and the lessons they teach about unconditional love, responsibility, and courage. “In my life I have greatly been impacted by the presence of animals and just their healing power and nature,” she said. “It’s always something that I’ve loved being able to talk about and shine a light on the importance of children growing up around animals.”
She believes that having an animal in a child’s life (whether a dog, cat, or even a goldfish) teaches vital life lessons: unconditional love, responsibility and routine, and patience and empathy.
The real pony Brandy came into Katherine’s life unexpectedly, carrying a difficult past. “I found that through a lot of time and patience and just sitting in the presence of one another, [my pony and I] gained trust for one another,” she said. “She came with fears and a past that made her not necessarily the most trusting of animals. I made it my goal to gain her trust and have her be comfortable around me.”
Katherine sees something profound in the way animals relate to us. “Animals really do have that power of just an unspoken presence,” she said. “They don’t care what your job is, how much money you make, or what you did that day. They just pay attention to who you are and who you show up as.”
As an ambassador for the ASPCA and Best Friends Animal Society, Katherine extends her message about animals’ healing power through advocacy and action.
[Animals] really just pay attention to who you are and who you show up as.
—Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt
Writing for Kids and Parents
Shared reading time is one of the most meaningful rituals in Katherine’s home. It’s not just about reading the words on the page but about pausing to talk, laugh, and connect.
Katherine wants her books to serve as conversation starters for families, helping children process emotions like fear and courage in relatable ways. “What’s the kind of book that I wanna read after a long day that my kids are gonna enjoy?” she said. “And that also has a positive message that teaches kids about something. That’s always important to me.”
She notes that reading about a character who faces fears and finds confidence resonates differently for kids, and that matters.
Working with illustrator Petra Brown helped bring her vision to life. “Kids pay so much attention to illustrations,” she explained. “They get lost in the drawings. Petra did an incredible job, not only drawing illustrations that were amazing with animals, but also with humans.”
Katherine is mindful of the adults turning the pages beside their children. “I always try to keep in mind the conversations that come from reading these stories to kids.”
Leading with Kindness
Whether through her storytelling, advocacy, or conversations with families, Katherine reminds us that courage begins with compassion and kindness is a practice that can change everything.
“I think the most important thing when I connect with people is finding ways to put kindness and good out into the world,” she said.
Her hope for Kat and Brandy is simple but profound: “If someone reads that book and says, ‘I feel confident to overcome my fear,’ or ‘I relate to the character or the horse or the parent,’ then that book will have served its purpose.”
In Bold Gratitude,
Lainie
Photo Credit: Cindy Gold
Connect with and Learn from Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt
- Website: katherineschwarzenegger.com
- Books: Kat and Brandy, The Gift of Forgiveness, and more
- Podcast: BDA Baby
- Instagram: @katherineschwarzenegger
