A New Adventure with Gertie Is on the Way

A heartwarming story about facing fears, friendship, and taking brave steps — one small step at a time.

What happens when a giraffe named Gertie faces a fear that feels too big to overcome?

Despite her long neck, Gertie is terrified of heights. With encouragement from her friends, she learns that the challenges we avoid are often the ones that help us grow the most.

A reassuring story for children learning to believe in themselves when things feel difficult.

"A new adventure with Gertie is on the way — a heartwarming story about facing fears, friendship, and taking brave steps one small step at a time."

About the Book

📖 Title: This Giraffe Is Scared of Heights!

✍️ Author & Illustrator: Louis Papadakis

🎯 Age Range: 3 to 8 years

📚 Series: Inspirational Books for Kids — Gertie the Brave Giraffe

🚀 Status: Coming Soon — join the Early Reader List to be first to know

💛 Theme: Facing fears, friendship, courage, one brave step at a time

Already Love Gertie?

While you wait for the newest adventure — the book that started it all is available now. Gertie Braves the River has earned three major awards, been featured in the Wall Street Journal and Boston Herald, and earns the second read every single night.

Get Gertie Braves the River — $19.95 →

Get The Brave Storytime Bundle — $49.95 →

About Louis Papadakis

Louis Papadakis is an award-winning, Amazon best-selling children's book author, illustrator, and artist based in the Chicago area. He holds a Fine Arts degree from Southern Illinois University and a Master's in Fine Arts from the School of Figurative Art in New York City.

His stories find children where they are — in the moment of almost giving up, in the moment of being afraid — and show them, gently and permanently, what happens when they take one more step anyway.

Awards & Press

⭐ Pencraft Awards — Winner 1st Place, Literary Excellence 2025

⭐ Honoring Excellence — Children's Book International Finalist

⭐ Literary Titan 5-Star Book Award

Press & Interviews

📰 Wall Street Journal — Featured coverage of Louis Papadakis and Gertie Braves the River

📰 Boston Herald — Featured coverage of Louis Papadakis and Gertie Braves the River

🎤 Rob Schneider — Celebrity endorsement

🏫 Kate L., Elementary School Principal — "I heartily recommend Gertie Braves the River for every K–3 classroom."

👏 Sa. Hawk, Elementary School Teacher — Verified educator review