Amanda Bremen Books

Stories of strength, softness, and self-care—for kids, pets, and big hearts everywhere

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    about

    Amanda Bremen is a children’s book author, illustrator, and lifelong creative whose stories celebrate courage, kindness, and the quiet strength of kids who shine in their own way. Born with an autoimmune condition that affects her joints, Amanda was diagnosed at just two years old — an experience that now inspires her heartfelt books about invisible illness, resilience, and self-care.

    She is the creator of multiple series including:

    • Hi, I’m Ava! â€” a compassionate series about chronic illness and strength
    • Three Kittens and a Ball of Yarn â€” a playful introduction to crochet and creativity
    • Ella and Riley’s Country Fun â€” gentle adventures with wildlife and nature
    • Sudzee Pups â€” a bubbly, spa-themed pet series co-authored with Kristie Curcio

    Amanda lives in a small town but her heart belongs to the quiet mountains upstate, where her family owns a peaceful patch of land. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her crocheting, illustrating, walking her dogs, or crafting new stories inspired by the pets and children she loves.

    Through every book, Amanda hopes to help young readers feel seen, supported, and inspired to be their beautifully unique selves.

    đŸ„‹ Meet Ava—

    The Brave Girl with Ninjas in Her Body

    Imagine waking up every day knowing your body is doing something extraordinary—fighting invisible battles that no one else can see. That’s Ava’s world, and it’s not make-believe. It’s the empowering message behind the beautifully illustrated, heartfelt children’s book: “Hi, I’m Ava—and My Body Has Ninjas.”

    This isn’t just a story—it’s a movement.

    Written with compassion and illustrated to bring warmth and courage to life, Ava’s journey is a powerful, kid-friendly introduction to chronic illness, invisible symptoms, and what bravery really looks like. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, medical professional, or a young reader walking a similar path, Ava’s story is here to remind us all: just because you can’t see something, doesn’t mean it isn’t real.

    🧠 What Are the Ninjas?

    In Ava’s world, ninjas aren’t villains—they’re her body’s defenders. These tiny, feisty warriors live inside her, always alert and ready to fight. But sometimes
 they get confused.

    The ninjas are meant to protect Ava from harm—like germs and viruses. But instead, they sometimes attack parts of her that are perfectly healthy. Her joints, her muscles, even her energy can become battlegrounds. It’s a kid-friendly way to describe what many children with autoimmune diseases like Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA), or other chronic conditions experience every day.

    Through clever metaphors and bold illustrations, Ava shows young readers (and adults) what’s really going on inside a body battling a misunderstood illness. It helps readers visualize what fatigue, flares, and pain might feel like—without scaring them or overwhelming them.

    💬 Why This Book Matters

    For kids like Ava, the world can feel confusing. Doctors’ appointments, strange words, medicine schedules, and missing school or playdates—it’s a lot for a child to process. This book provides not just comfort, but language. It helps kids describe what they feel. It validates their experiences.

    And for those who don’t live with a chronic illness, Ava’s story is a window into empathy. It invites healthy peers to walk in someone else’s shoes. It’s a gentle but powerful reminder that kindness and understanding can change a day—or a life.

    🎹 Visuals That Heal

    The illustrations in Hi, I’m Ava—and My Body Has Ninjas are as memorable as the story itself. Ava is shown with a bright smile, a teal hoodie, and her backpack slung over one shoulder—ready for whatever comes next. Surrounding her are cartoon-style ninjas: small, expressive figures that alternate between heroic and hilariously grumpy.

    These visuals make the story approachable, even for the youngest readers. Ava doesn’t look sad. She doesn’t look broken. She looks strong.

    That’s the message we all need more of.

    Representation in Children’s Books

    One of the most important aspects of this book is representation. So many children’s books portray perfect bodies, perfect lives, and happy endings that are wrapped in neat bows. But what about the kids who live with doctor visits and mobility challenges? What about the kids who miss school or can’t explain why they’re so tired all the time?

    Ava gives those kids a voice.

    She is part of a growing wave of inclusive literature that tells the truth gently, warmly, and with a touch of sparkle. Kids with autoimmune conditions, chronic pain, and invisible illnesses deserve to see themselves reflected in the stories they read—and Hi, I’m Ava—and My Body Has Ninjas delivers that in spades.

    📘 How to Use This Book at Home or School

    This book isn’t just for bedtime reading—it’s a tool. Here’s how parents, teachers, and counselors are using it:

    Classroom Reading Time: To start conversations about empathy, invisible illnesses, and differences. Sibling Education: To help siblings of chronically ill kids understand what their brother or sister is going through. Medical Settings: Pediatricians, child life specialists, and therapists are using Ava’s story to prepare young patients for their own journeys. Support Groups: As a springboard for group discussions or creative journaling activities. Family Reading Nights: To normalize conversations about health, mental wellness, and emotions in an age-appropriate way.

    Ava’s Message: You’re Not Alone

    Perhaps the most important part of Ava’s story is her voice.

    She doesn’t complain. She explains. She doesn’t say “poor me”—she says “here’s how I handle it.” Her resilience shines through on every page, but not in a way that feels fake or forced. Ava still gets nervous. She still needs rest. She still has moments where the ninjas make everything feel hard.

    And that’s okay.

    Her message is simple and universal: You don’t have to look sick to be strong. You don’t have to win every battle to be a warrior. And even on the tough days, you are never, ever alone.

    🛒 Where to Get It

    Hi, I’m Ava—and My Body Has Ninjas is available now on Amazon and through local bookstores that support indie authors. A portion of all proceeds is donated to children’s hospitals and organizations supporting kids with chronic illness—because this story was never just about one girl. It’s about a community.

    đŸ„‹ Final Thoughts: Ava’s Got This. And So Do You.

    Whether you’re reading this book for the first time or the fiftieth, one thing is clear: Ava is a role model. Not because she’s perfect—but because she’s real.

    If you’ve ever felt tired, misunderstood, or like your body was fighting a battle no one else could see, this book is for you. If you’ve ever loved someone going through that battle, this book is for you. And if you believe kids can be brave in the face of the unknown?

    Then Ava’s already your hero.