Frances Stickley – författare

​Everyone’s frightened we all feel afraid,But the more that you face it the more it will fade.Bear isn’t scared of his snuggly lair or of his best friend, Hare, but he is scared of pretty much everything else. And when he starts to feel that he’s missing out, the two embark on a mission to discover that special something that unlocks Bear’s courage and reignites his love for life. The Scarediest Bear is the story of how courage can be found in the most unexpected places.This reassuring, funny story by Frances Stickley, stylishly illustrated by Alice McKinley, is the perfect way to open up discussions about worries and anxiety with young children.Children won’t be able to resist adorable double-act Bear and Hare as they take on their fears, one step at a time. Perfect for any child who feels anxious or worried about trying new things Alice McKinley’s adorable illustrations are irresistible and full of sweet moments as well as laughs A cosy book that makes a perfect bedtime story

An adorable and reassuring story that will help little ones with separation anxiety"Whenever you’re lonely or we’re far apart,remember," said Mummy, "I know you by heart."Bramble bunny has always spent his days with Mummy, safe and snug by her side. But as the seasons turn, it’s time for him to start nursery school – a big adventure that means being apart for the very first time. Bramble feels nervous, but Mummy has a special message to help him through. She knows him by heart and that means she will always be with him, no matter where he is.This tender story offers comfort to young children dealing with separation anxiety, gently reminding them that their parents’ love is always there when they need it. With a beautiful rhyming text and a reassuring message, I Know You by Heart is perfect for little ones starting nursery, preschool, or any new chapter in life.

A fast, funny ‘It’s behind you!’ tale with a rollicking rhyming text and bold, bright illustrations.  Mouse was feeling fabulous. The sky was blue and bright.The day was warm and wonderful, with not a cat in sight…  Mouse sets off on his perfect day blissfully unaware (in the tradition of all the best cat-and-mouse capers) that he is being followed every step of the way. He imagines he's at the circus, skydiving, discovering priceless treasure... And the best bit? There's not a cat in sight. Or is there...?  Children will delight at being one step ahead of all the characters in this riotous tale, featuring an irresistible refrain, delightfully skilful rhyming text by Frances Stickley, and the debut picture book illustrations from exciting new artist Eamonn O’Neill.

A fast, funny ‘It’s behind you!’ tale with a rollicking rhyming text and bold, bright illustrations.  Mouse was feeling fabulous. The sky was blue and bright.The day was warm and wonderful, with not a cat in sight…  Mouse sets off on his perfect day blissfully unaware (in the tradition of all the best cat-and-mouse capers) that he is being followed every step of the way. He imagines he's at the circus, skydiving, discovering priceless treasure... And the best bit? There's not a cat in sight. Or is there...?  Children will delight at being one step ahead of all the characters in this riotous tale, featuring an irresistible refrain, delightfully skilful rhyming text by Frances Stickley, and the debut picture book illustrations from exciting new artist Eamonn O’Neill.

A warm and wise picture book that's great for learning about respecting others - illustrated by the bestselling illustrator of The Hugasaurus.Brian the lion is the mightiest, bitiest beast in the jungle and he's certain all the other animals LOVE him... Until one day he finds out they're all just too scared to stand up to him! Can the King of the Jungle learn to change his ways and think of others?A delightful and gently thought-provoking rhyming text by acclaimed author Frances Stickley is perfectly paired with gorgeously expressive illustrations from bestselling illustrator Chris Chatterton. Encourages an awareness of how what we do affects others in an accessible way. The skilful rhyming text by Frances Stickley is a joy to read out loud. Beautiful illustrations from Chris Chatterton, illustrator of Ten Minutes to Bed, Little Unicorn and The Hugasaurus. Also by Frances Stickley and published by Simon & Schuster:Not a Cat in Sight, illustrated by Eamonn O'Neill

A warm and wise picture book that's great for learning about respecting others - illustrated by the bestselling illustrator of The Hugasaurus.Brian the lion is the mightiest, bitiest beast in the jungle and he's certain all the other animals LOVE him... Until one day he finds out they're all just too scared to stand up to him! Can the King of the Jungle learn to change his ways and think of others?A delightful and gently thought-provoking rhyming text by acclaimed author Frances Stickley is perfectly paired with gorgeously expressive illustrations from bestselling illustrator Chris Chatterton. Encourages an awareness of how what we do affects others in an accessible way. The skilful rhyming text by Frances Stickley is a joy to read out loud. Beautiful illustrations from Chris Chatterton, illustrator of Ten Minutes to Bed, Little Unicorn and The Hugasaurus. Also by Frances Stickley and published by Simon & Schuster:Not a Cat in Sight, illustrated by Eamonn O'Neill

A joyful celebration of the power of being GREAT, just as you are, from the creators of Brian the Lion who Learned.Wanda the warthog is perfectly proud to be HER – a root-rustling wonder with stubbly fur. But when a graceful, perfectly plumed rainbow of scarlet macaw parrots appear in the forest one day, Wanda suddenly starts to doubt herself… Frowning and grouching and glaring: Wanda the warthog has started comparing.When Wanda does everything she can to change the way she looks and the macaws still don’t take any notice, it’s time for Wanda’s friends to step in to remind her that she is only one who can decide her worth. Perfect for encouraging conversations about being happy to be yourself! Fran Stickley’s glorious and gleeful rhyming text is perfectly complemented by Chris Chatterton’s (illustrator of The Hugasaurus) warm, charming illustrations.Gentle learning within the framework of a satisfying story.

A joyful celebration of the power of being GREAT, just as you are, from the creators of Brian the Lion who Learned.Wanda the warthog is perfectly proud to be HER – a root-rustling wonder with stubbly fur. But when a graceful, perfectly plumed rainbow of scarlet macaw parrots appear in the forest one day, Wanda suddenly starts to doubt herself… Frowning and grouching and glaring: Wanda the warthog has started comparing.When Wanda does everything she can to change the way she looks and the macaws still don’t take any notice, it’s time for Wanda’s friends to step in to remind her that she is only one who can decide her worth. Perfect for encouraging conversations about being happy to be yourself! Fran Stickley’s glorious and gleeful rhyming text is perfectly complemented by Chris Chatterton’s (illustrator of The Hugasaurus) warm, charming illustrations.Gentle learning within the framework of a satisfying story.

The first in a funny and empowering new picture book series about finding your confidence, starring the Internet’s favourite animal – the capybara.Everybody STOPS, everybody stares . . . but Capybara’s bopping like they just don’t care!  ​Capybara loves to dance! He rocks, he rumbas and he even Zumbas. But the other animals at the disco think a dancing capybara is simply ridiculous. And the Lemur, the Llama, the Shrew and the Gnu are much too embarrassed to join in . . . Can Capybara show them just how much FUN it is to dance like nobody’s watching? ​Perfect for fans of Giraffes Can't Dance, The Gecko and the Echo, The Koala Who Could, Marmalade and Oscar the Hungry Unicorn.  ​​

The second in a funny and empowering picture book series about finding your confidence, starring the internet’s favourite animal – the capybara.​It’s Capybara showtime . . . Put your hands together for fashion fever!Capybara Colin is backstage, getting ready for the fashion show! He tries on costumes, hats and wigs – and rocks the finest Capybara couture. But it turns out the other animals aren’t feeling quite as runway ready . . . Tiger says he’s too tough for tu-tus, Camel’s got the hump and Monkey’s in a funk. Can Colin give them the confidence they need to stand proud and strut like a disco diva?Look into the mirror. What do you see?You’re a bona fide megastar celebrity.So slip on those shoes and polish that crown.”Capybara cries, “Let’s slay the house down!

A joyful and reassuring celebration of BIG feelings, from the creators of Brian the Lion Who Learned and Wanda the Warthog Who Worried.Louis the lemur feels EVERYTHING – the stars in the sky, the crash of the waves and the whisper of the wind. But when Louis’s feelings get too loud, too teary and too much for the other animals, he starts to wish he didn’t have feelings at all.With a little help from Daddy, Louis begins to understand that his enormous heart is not something to hide away. And when a friend is in trouble, Louis discovers that feeling deeply might just be his greatest gift.Perfect for encouraging conversations about big feelings, empathy and self-acceptance!Fran Stickley’s warm and emotionally resonant rhyming text is perfectly complemented by Chris Jevons’ expressive, characterful illustrations.Gentle learning within the framework of a satisfying and reassuring story.

A poetic, spell-binding message from the Earth directed straight to 4+ readers inviting us all to appreciate the natural wonders around us and to take steps to protect them.The Earth itself takes the reader on a glorious tour of the wonders of nature, both little and large. Love, the Earth is an enchanting story that gives readers the perfect chance to see all the facets of the Earth, its mysteries, its generosity and its unparalleled beauty. It is also a powerful call to arms to look after the Earth in turn.Combining charming, rhyming text and spectacular artwork, this book is a magnificent celebration of the Earth."Hopgood, the illustrator of Wow Said the Owl, brings his unique style to Stickley's powerful anthem about the climate crisis." The Bookseller

Join Little Puffling on an adventure!Little Puffling watches the other birds soaring high above the cliffs as they prepare to fly away in the autumn and worries if he will ever be ready to join them.But Puffling’s mummy takes him on an adventure to see how all the other young animals take their first steps – from seals and otters to orcas and deer – during which he gains confidence to make his first flight, sure in the knowledge there is always someone there to help him on the way.Shortlisted for the Stockport Children's Book Awards 2026

Mouse is having a wonderful day: she’s foraged four plump apples for her tea, the most she’s ever found! But here comes Bear, and he’s feeling especially greedy and mean. He wants every apple for himself. Mouse might have to think up a clever trick to teach Bear a lesson…

A delightful picture book which explores the importance of emotions.WARNING! CONTAINS DRAGONS!Nobody but Daisy can see her dragons. Usually, they all get along in their own wonderful chaotic way, but Daisy's dragons aren't like ordinary dragons; Daisy's dragons are her feelings.So when Daisy has a very tricky day, suddenly all is not harmonious among the dragons. Sad keeps growing and growing, Angry is breathing fire at everyone and everything he sees, while Scared's screaming is driving everybody to distraction. Now some of Daisy's dragons feel bad. And Daisy doesn't want bad dragons.But Daisy soon discovers that without Angry, Sad and Scared, her other dragons are nowhere to be seen either. Could it be that to feel truly happy, calm and brave, Daisy needs all of her dragons together?Daisy's Dragons is a mindful metaphor that helps children understand the importance of all their emotions - even the negative ones. It addresses the necessity of difficult feelings and celebrates their capacity for self-preservation, self-esteem and reflection. After all, you can't be brave if you're not frightened first.Perfect for fans of THE COLOUR MONSTER.

The wild woods are waiting, and Little Red wants to have an adventure, but weighed down by the King's Decree to "Be Good" and warnings from other fairy tale characters that the Big Bad Wolf is about, Little Red's journey suddenly seems fraught...On meeting Goldilocks, Hansel and Gretel and the Three Little Pigs, Little Red quickly goes from curious to furious as she wonders why she needs to alter her behaviour when the Big Bads are free to wander anywhere. Little Red's campaign gathers pace as beloved fairy tale characters join her in a march to reject the "Rules for Being Good" and finally take back the woods. This witty picture book introduces a serious subject to children, encouraging them to challenge the cautionary tales which are sewn into the fabric of storytelling. Although we are now well-versed in feminist fairy tales, a seed of caution remains rooted in our stories, parenting and laws, but what if we started challenging this narrative for our children? What if the onus of responsibility is shifted onto the villain? Wolves will (not) be Wolves introduces a serious subject in an easy-to-understand and lighthearted way.

A beautifully illustrated catalogue-style board book that's filled with over 200 everyday things to delight and amaze young readers - with a mirror ending!Blueberries, strawberries and watermelons are all delicious but how are they connected? They are all fruit! We see fire engines, police cars and diggers when we are out and about. But how are they the same? They are all vehicles!Using categories and first words, this incredibly beautiful book showcases the wonders of the world and introduces the idea of how connected we all are. Each spread showcases a different group of "things", including sea creatures, furniture, dinosaurs, toys, food and drink, farm animals, birds and more!Includes a free Nosy Crow Stories Aloud® audiobook! Scan the code, hear the story. The wonderful Frances Stickley and Tim Hopgood have created a book to treasure, one for little ones to pour over and revisit again and again as they dive in and discover all kinds of things!

It’s a wonderfully sunny Spring day but Bear has woken up to find a storm cloud hanging above his head and he just can’t get rid of it. Can his friends help him to find his way through the storm to discover the brightest of rainbows?A beautiful, life-affirming and hopeful story about sitting with sadness, the power of friendship, and learning that the brightest rainbows always come after a storm.

Even though you might be small, if you just believe, you could be anything at all!What do you want to be when you grow up? A pirate or a dinosaur hunter, an engineer or a doctor? Through dressing up and imaginary play, there’s nothing these four best friends can’t be.

Mummy makes every day special, so it's about time she had her own perfect day full of all her favourite things.Mummy makes us happy even when it's hard to do, wouldn't it be wonderful to make her happy too?This brother and sister know exactly what Mum loves: her favourite foods, flowers, and pictures painted by them. They arrange it all for Mummy's special day, but nothing seems to go to plan. Luckily, the thing Mummy enjoys best is spending time with her little ones.A heartwarming story, perfect to snuggle up with on Mothers Day, a birthday, or any special day at all!

The heartwarming tale of a lost bear who never gives up hope of finding his best friend Harriet - even after many years have passed - from award-winning author Frances Stickley.Harriet never goes anywhere without her beloved bear Blue, so when they become separated he knows that Harriet must be searching for him. Blue might be lost, but he never loses hope. Days, months and years pass, until one day Blue finds himself on a stall at a summer fete. He catches sight of a little girl who looks just like Harriet... but it can’t be, wouldn’t she be grown up by now? And why does the little girl's mum look so familiar to him?Adult and child alike will fall in love with Blue the bear in this story of the everlasting and pure love between a teddy bear and his little girl.

A lyrical countdown to your baby coming into the world and a count-up to the memories you'll make together.One wonderful world, and now, one you. For nine magic months, two hearts beat together, then with ten tiny fingers and ten tiny toes, a new life begins. Through the magical story of the journey into parenthood, a beautiful message to a child is revealed: nothing else counts more than you.This poetic and poignant book about a child coming into the world would make the perfect gift for new parents, or a beautiful first book for a baby.

Badger and Squirrel are best friends, until one day . . . along comes Fox!Can you have more than one best friend? Fox doesn’t think so. He wants to prove to Squirrel that he should be her best friend, not Badger, and he knows just the thing to settle it: a friendship competition! But Badger is terrible at the games Fox sets up, and he starts to think he might not be a very good friend . . .

Badger and Squirrel are best friends, until one day . . . along comes Fox!Can you have more than one best friend? Fox doesn’t think so. He wants to prove to Squirrel that he should be her best friend, not Badger, and he knows just the thing to settle it: a friendship competition! But Badger is terrible at the games Fox sets up, and he starts to think he might not be a very good friend . . .