Hey friends, Alison here! With over 20 years in the cheerleading industry (and somehow ending up an author too), I’m here to give you the real stuff — no fluff, just useful tips, stories, and the quirks of life on the mat and in the books.
Today we’re going behind the scenes of my fourth book in the series, Brave Bow to Toe. And let me tell you, this one is extra special.
Unlike the other stories in the set, Brave Bow to Toe is interactive. It’s not just reading — it’s writing, colouring, and imagining. It’s immersive. It’s personal. And it was created with one very big “why” in mind: to make reading and writing feel less overwhelming and a lot more fun, especially for our young cheerleaders who struggle with it.
Why I Wrote Brave Bow to Toe
Growing up, I didn’t know I was dyslexic or had ADHD until adulthood. I always wished there were books that felt encouraging rather than intimidating. And now, as a parent to a child who also has dyslexia and ADHD, I wanted to create something that made learning feel exciting.
That’s why this book isn’t just about cheerleading — it’s about giving kids confidence. Whether they’re new to cheer or just finding their feet with reading, Brave Bow to Toe invites them to colour, write, and personalise the story. From naming characters to choosing team colours, every page gives them ownership.
What Makes It Different
The story guides readers through what it feels like to perform for the first time — from the nerves in warm-up, to the adrenaline of running onto the floor, to the proud moment when the routine ends.
It’s designed for ages five to eight (or any young cheerleaders starting to perform). There’s even a debriefing activity at the back where kids can reflect on their first performance — writing about their emotions, memories, and highlights.
And the best bit? They get to colour the pages with their own team colours and make the characters their own.
My Dedication
This book holds a piece of my heart. The dedication reads:
“This one’s especially close to my heart. It’s for all my fellow dyslexics and neurodivergent souls out there. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that there’s always another way, even if it’s not the way everyone else takes. Keep chasing what lights you up and never stop believing in yourself. So much love.”
Final Thoughts
Brave Bow to Toe isn’t just a story — it’s an experience. It’s for cheerleaders who are nervous, excited, or just starting out. It’s for kids who find reading hard. And it’s for any child who loves to make a book their own.
If you’d like to grab a copy, you can find it at The Cheerleader Book Club. Hardback box sets are exclusive to the website, but you’ll also find the paperback and hardcover on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major retailers.
And remember — at the back of every book there’s a secret password to unlock free colouring sheets and extras in the Cheerleader Book Club online library.
Thanks for being here. I can’t wait to see what your little ones create with Brave Bow to Toe!
Allison xx
Brave Bow To Toe
Brave Bow to Toe – Step into the world of cheerleading! Perfect for readers aged 4–8, this interactive picture book follows a young cheerleader’s first big performance, capturing the excitement, nerves, and joy of teamwork. Kids can personalise the story with their own character names, colour the illustrations, play a hidden spot-the-difference game, and access bonus activities through The Secret Book Club. A heartwarming celebration of bravery, friendship, and fun on the mat!
