Tom Percival – författare

*A Waterstones Best Baby and Toddler Book of 2025*An uplifting book about tackling shyness, from the bestselling creator of the Big Bright Feelings series. Be open, be honest, be you! Big Bright Feelings for little people.Sammy LOVES having fun. But at school there are so many people . . . and he doesn't always know what to say. When a whole load of things go wrong and Sammy feels like EVERYONE is staring, he starts to go pink, and then pinker . . . until he's bright pink ALL OVER! Can Sammy learn how to tackle his feelings – and go back to his usual colour?This reassuring and funny book is the perfect springboard for talking to children about shyness and feeling self-conscious. Tom Percival's Big Bright Feelings series is the ideal starting point for discussions about mental and emotional health, positive self-image, building self-confidence and managing feelings. Every child's bookshelf should contain his books.Also available in the Big Bright Feelings series: Ruby's Worry, Perfectly Norman, Ravi's Roar, Meesha Makes Friends, Tilda Tries Again, Milo's Monster, Finn’s Little Fibs and Bea's Bad Day. Collect them all!

From bestselling author-illustrator Tom Percival comes a poignant picture book that encourages us to take notice of all the wondrous little things that happen to us each day.​Daniel is having a terrible day. From the rain that tumbles down from the dark, grey skies to the puddles that soak his shoes, Daniel’s convinced that nothing will lift his mood. But everything changes when he hears the sweet, delicate sound of music, barely audible beneath the rain. Perhaps, if he looks carefully enough, Daniel might find that there are moments of joy and wonder that can brighten even the darkest of days . . . ​Also available: The Sea SawThe InvisibleThe River The Bridges

From bestselling author-illustrator Tom Percival comes a poignant picture book that encourages us to take notice of all the wondrous little things that happen to us each day.​Daniel is having a terrible day. From the rain that tumbles down from the dark, grey skies to the puddles that soak his shoes, Daniel’s convinced that nothing will lift his mood. But everything changes when he hears the sweet, delicate sound of music, barely audible beneath the rain. Perhaps, if he looks carefully enough, Daniel might find that there are moments of joy and wonder that can brighten even the darkest of days . . . ​Also available: The Sea SawThe InvisibleThe River The Bridges

Be open, be honest, be you! Big Bright Feelings for little people.Norman had always been perfectly normal . . . until the day he grew a pair of wings!Norman loves his new wings, and has the most fun ever trying them out high in the sky. But then he has to go in for dinner. What will his parents think? What will everyone else think? Norman feels the safest plan is to cover his wings with a big coat.But hiding the thing that makes you different proves tricky and upsetting. Can Norman ever truly be himself?This is the second book in Tom Percival's Big Bright Feelings series to become available as a board book - the perfect size for little hands!

A lonely ghost finds an unexpected friend in this fantastically atmospheric story which marks the debut of an exciting new picture book talent.Night after night, Tobias the ghost hangs around the empty house where he lives, longing for something interesting to happen. That is, until one day, a girl named Eliza moves in with her family…Armed with his grandad’s book of spells, Tobias starts to play tricks on Eliza, but has he met his match in this feisty little girl?Tobias might just be in for a few surprises himself… not to mention finding an amazing new friend!A delightfully energetic book, full of fun!

A lonely ghost finds an unexpected friend in this fantastically atmospheric story.Night after night, Tobias the ghost hangs around the empty house where he lives, longing for something interesting to happen. That is, until one day, a girl named Eliza moves in with her family…Armed with his grandad’s book of spells, Tobias starts to play tricks on Eliza, but has he met his match in this feisty little girl?Tobias might just be in for a few surprises himself… not to mention finding an amazing new friend!A delightfully energetic book, full of fun!

Five fun Halloween stories to entertain your little one at Halloween.Five entertaining audio readings of best-loved children’s stories for children of three years and over to enjoy at Halloween.This audio download is a heritage-rich collection showcasing some of the best-loved characters in children’s literature. Compiled by HarperCollins Children’s Books, it features popular stories by authors including Rachel Bright, Benji Davies, Tom Percival and Rob Scotton.A wonderful audio collection – perfect for families and friends to share at Halloween!Playlist:Five Little Pumpkins (traditional rhyme), read by Paul PantingLove Monster and the Scary Something by Rachel Bright, read by Sarah HadlandThe Grotlyn by Benji Davies, read by Peter CapaldiTobias and the Super Spooky Ghost Book by Tom Percival, read by Paul PantingScaredy-Cat, Splat! by Rob Scotton, read by Phill JupitusCopyright:Love Monster and the Scary Something text © Rachel Bright 2015; The Grotlyn text © Benji Davies 2017; Tobias and the Super Spooky Ghost Book text © Tom Percival 2010; Scaredy-Cat, Splat! text © Rob Scotton 2010

What does your shadow get up to? Jack and his amazing magical shadow are the VERY best of friends who do everything together. But when Jack's shadow gets up to mischief and starts acting of its own accord, Jack gets the blame. He decides that he has had enough, and the best friends have a falling out. Will Jack and his shadow ever be reunited?With themes of friendship, difference and the power of saying ‘sorry’, this lively story is perfect for anyone who's ever wondered what their shadow gets up to when they're not looking!

A moving celebration of the power of books and reading from bestselling author and illustrator, Tom Percival, creator of Ruby's Worry. Mia feels alone; so alone that it's as if she lives on a small island, far out to sea. But then one day, Mia is given a book - the first she has ever been able to call her own. As Mia reads the book, bridges appear and her island fills with colour and life. And the more Mia reads, the stronger the bridges become, opening up a world of connection and hope... Because a book can take you anywhere... Celebrate the power of books and reading in this moving picture book by Tom Percival, author of Ruby's Worry and The Invisible, among many more.Also by Tom Percival and published by Simon & Schuster:The Sea SawThe InvisibleThe RiverComing in January 2026: The Wonder

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A beautiful and urgent exploration of the experience of child poverty from Tom Percival, creator of the bestselling Big Bright Feelings series, for fans of Boy at the Back of the Class. Working in partnership with the National Literacy Trust, £1 from the sale of a hardback copy in the UK will go towards supporting children in poverty. 'Powerful and moving with the potential to change lives' Hannah Gold'Full of empathy and most importantly, heart' Phil EarleThere's a bunch of kids in there and suddenly they're all looking at me like someone who can actually do something, not just some weirdo with the wrong shoes and a rubbish coat . . .Will has the wrong shoes – he's always known it but doesn't know how to change it. Navigating the difficulties of home and school when you feel you stick out is tough, but finding confidence with the help and empathy of friends can be all you need to see the way.  Praise for The Wrong Shoes:‘An extraordinary, powerful and moving book that has the potential to change lives.’ Hannah Gold‘Every chapter is full of experience & empathy & most importantly, heart’ Phil Earle‘Reading fiction is about walking in the shoes of people whose lives are very different to ours and allowing more readers to see themselves in stories. The Wrong Shoes is the perfect example of both – the right book at the right time’ Tom Palmer‘A brilliant book – such a perfect marriage of words and illustrations and an important story told with real heart’ Christopher Edge‘A hopeful, honest, big-hearted read. You’ll be rooting for the main character, Will, from the very first page . . . ’ Clara Vulliamy‘A beautifully illustrated, deeply moving, empathy-boosting story . . .’ Rashmi Sirdeshpande‘A superbly courageous and timely book. Will is a protagonist so many children and adults will identify with, really beautiful’ Steven Lenton

A beautiful and urgent exploration of the experience of child poverty from Tom Percival, creator of the bestselling Big Bright Feelings series, for fans of Boy at the Back of the Class. Working in partnership with the National Literacy Trust, £1 from the sale of a hardback copy in the UK will go towards supporting children in poverty. 'Powerful and moving with the potential to change lives' Hannah Gold'Full of empathy and most importantly, heart' Phil EarleThere's a bunch of kids in there and suddenly they're all looking at me like someone who can actually do something, not just some weirdo with the wrong shoes and a rubbish coat . . . Will has the wrong shoes – he's always known it but doesn't know how to change it. Navigating the difficulties of home and school when you feel you stick out is tough, but finding confidence with the help and empathy of friends can be all you need to see the way.  Praise for The Wrong Shoes: ‘An extraordinary, powerful and moving book that has the potential to change lives.’ Hannah Gold ‘Every chapter is full of experience & empathy & most importantly, heart’ Phil Earle ‘Reading fiction is about walking in the shoes of people whose lives are very different to ours and allowing more readers to see themselves in stories. The Wrong Shoes is the perfect example of both – the right book at the right time’ Tom Palmer ‘A brilliant book – such a perfect marriage of words and illustrations and an important story told with real heart’ Christopher Edge ‘A hopeful, honest, big-hearted read. You’ll be rooting for the main character, Will, from the very first page . . . ’ Clara Vulliamy ‘A beautifully illustrated, deeply moving, empathy-boosting story . . .’ Rashmi Sirdeshpande ‘A superbly courageous and timely book. Will is a protagonist so many children and adults will identify with, really beautiful’ Steven Lenton

A beautiful and urgent exploration of the experience of child poverty from Tom Percival, creator of the bestselling Big Bright Feelings series, for fans of Boy at the Back of the Class. 'Powerful and moving with the potential to change lives' Hannah Gold'Full of empathy and most importantly, heart' Phil EarleThere's a bunch of kids in there and suddenly they're all looking at me like someone who can actually do something, not just some weirdo with the wrong shoes and a rubbish coat . . .Will has the wrong shoes – he's always known it but doesn't know how to change it. Navigating the difficulties of home and school when you feel you stick out is tough, but finding confidence with the help and empathy of friends can be all you need to see the way.  Praise for The Wrong Shoes:‘An extraordinary, powerful and moving book that has the potential to change lives.’ Hannah Gold‘Every chapter is full of experience & empathy & most importantly, heart’ Phil Earle‘Reading fiction is about walking in the shoes of people whose lives are very different to ours and allowing more readers to see themselves in stories. The Wrong Shoes is the perfect example of both – the right book at the right time’ Tom Palmer‘A brilliant book – such a perfect marriage of words and illustrations and an important story told with real heart’ Christopher Edge‘A hopeful, honest, big-hearted read. You’ll be rooting for the main character, Will, from the very first page . . . ’ Clara Vulliamy‘A beautifully illustrated, deeply moving, empathy-boosting story . . .’ Rashmi Sirdeshpande‘A superbly courageous and timely book. Will is a protagonist so many children and adults will identify with, really beautiful’ Steven Lenton

A beautiful and urgent exploration of the experience of child poverty from Tom Percival, creator of the bestselling Big Bright Feelings series, for fans of Boy at the Back of the Class. Working in partnership with the National Literacy Trust, £1 from the sale of a hardback copy in the UK will go towards supporting children in poverty. 'Powerful and moving with the potential to change lives' Hannah Gold'Full of empathy and most importantly, heart' Phil EarleThere's a bunch of kids in there and suddenly they're all looking at me like someone who can actually do something, not just some weirdo with the wrong shoes and a rubbish coat . . . Will has the wrong shoes – he's always known it but doesn't know how to change it. Navigating the difficulties of home and school when you feel you stick out is tough, but finding confidence with the help and empathy of friends can be all you need to see the way.  Praise for The Wrong Shoes: ‘An extraordinary, powerful and moving book that has the potential to change lives.’ Hannah Gold ‘Every chapter is full of experience & empathy & most importantly, heart’ Phil Earle ‘Reading fiction is about walking in the shoes of people whose lives are very different to ours and allowing more readers to see themselves in stories. The Wrong Shoes is the perfect example of both – the right book at the right time’ Tom Palmer ‘A brilliant book – such a perfect marriage of words and illustrations and an important story told with real heart’ Christopher Edge ‘A hopeful, honest, big-hearted read. You’ll be rooting for the main character, Will, from the very first page . . . ’ Clara Vulliamy ‘A beautifully illustrated, deeply moving, empathy-boosting story . . .’ Rashmi Sirdeshpande ‘A superbly courageous and timely book. Will is a protagonist so many children and adults will identify with, really beautiful’ Steven Lenton

From author and illustrator Tom Percival, creator of the bestselling Big Bright Feelings seriesA picture book with flaps, all about a bubble-blowing competition – and the trouble it causes!Rueben and Felix are best friends, and what they like doing best . . . is blowing bubbles – the bigger, the better! It all starts to go wrong when Rueben challenges Felix to a bubble-blowing competition. When they sabotage each other''s bubble machines, the results are disastrous. It''s time to stop fighting against each other and pull together!A charming story about friendship, fights, and making up.Brilliantly read by Lenny Henry. Please note that audio is not supported by all devices, please consult your user manual for confirmation.

''Hibernation, dedication and one long-distance friendship that will never be forgotten: a must-have when a friend moves away.'' KirkusWhat do you do when your best friend in the whole wide world has to move a long way away? Promise to write to each other ALL the time and to stay best friends FOREVER, that''s what. But it''s easier said than done – especially when your best friend seems to be having much more fun than you are . . .Join Herman the bear on a lift-the-flap adventure as he embarks upon one epic journey to deliver a very special letter and to ensure that his friendship with Henry the raccoon really is FOREVER. From Tom Percival, the bestselling author of the Big Bright Feelings series.

From author and illustrator Tom Percival, creator of the bestselling Big Bright Feelings series: Herman and Henry are back and they are going on holiday in this fabulously funny follow-up to Herman''s Letter. With lift-the-flap postcards!Herman and Henry are having a great time camping in the great outdoors. Well, Herman is. Henry seems a little distracted. He must be having fun, though – everyone loves camping, don''t they?Join Herman and Henry, best friends forever, on a camping adventure that neither of them will forget – for very different reasons!A fabulously funny story by the creator of Herman''s Letter, with lift-the-flap postcards inside.

From author and illustrator Tom Percival, creator of the bestselling Big Bright Feelings series: Herman and Henry are back and they are going on holiday in this fabulously funny follow-up to Herman's Letter. With lift-the-flap postcards!Herman and Henry are having a great time camping in the great outdoors. Well, Herman is. Henry seems a little distracted. He must be having fun, though – everyone loves camping, don't they?Join Herman and Henry, best friends forever, on a camping adventure that neither of them will forget – for very different reasons!A fabulously funny story by the creator of Herman's Letter, with lift-the-flap postcards inside.

From author and illustrator Tom Percival, creator of the bestselling Big Bright Feelings series: A magical, reassuring picture book about moving house, to soothe even the biggest worriesIvan''s old house had always been so warm and friendly. This new one was NOT.Ivan finds his new house strange and can''t sleep. He lies awake and then sees a shimmering light come down. The light turns into a creature called a Moji, and it takes him on a fabulous night-time adventure, up high into space, bounding through starlit forests and down deep into the oceans. Ivan has never had so much fun! And the magical Moji shows him that soon the new house will feel like home.A gently emotional story to reassure fears about moving house, with stunning artwork and a wonderful magical element. The author/illustrator of Herman''s Letter has shown his breadth of talent with this new direction.

From author and illustrator Tom Percival, creator of the bestselling Big Bright Feelings series: A magical, reassuring picture book about moving house, to soothe even the biggest worriesIvan's old house had always been so warm and friendly. This new one was NOT. Ivan finds his new house strange and can't sleep. He lies awake and then sees a shimmering light come down. The light turns into a creature called a Moji, and it takes him on a fabulous night-time adventure, up high into space, bounding through starlit forests and down deep into the oceans. Ivan has never had so much fun! And the magical Moji shows him that soon the new house will feel like home. A gently emotional story to reassure fears about moving house, with stunning artwork and a wonderful magical element. The author/illustrator of Herman's Letter has shown his breadth of talent with this new direction.

An uplifting story about celebrating diversity and embracing what makes you you - from Tom Percival's bestselling Big Bright Feelings seriesBe open, be honest, be you! Big Bright Feelings for little people.'A sweet and truly uplifting story that celebrates diversity in a subtle but unique way, and inspires children to dare to be different and have the courage to stand out.' BookTrustNorman had always been perfectly normal . . . until the day he grew a pair of wings!Norman loves his new wings, and has the most fun ever trying them out high in the sky. But then he has to go in for dinner. What will his parents think? What will everyone else think? Norman feels the safest plan is to cover his wings with a big coat. But hiding the thing that makes you different proves tricky and upsetting. Can Norman ever truly be himself?This poignant and uplifting story about individuality is filled with stunning artwork in a striking minimal palette. From Tom Percival's bestselling Big Bright Feelings series, it is the perfect book about self-acceptance and being yourself.

An uplifting story about celebrating diversity and embracing what makes you you - from Tom Percival''s bestselling Big Bright Feelings seriesBe open, be honest, be you! Big Bright Feelings for little people.''A sweet and truly uplifting story that celebrates diversity in a subtle but unique way, and inspires children to dare to be different and have the courage to stand out.'' BookTrustNorman had always been perfectly normal . . . until the day he grew a pair of wings!Norman loves his new wings, and has the most fun ever trying them out high in the sky. But then he has to go in for dinner. What will his parents think? What will everyone else think? Norman feels the safest plan is to cover his wings with a big coat.But hiding the thing that makes you different proves tricky and upsetting. Can Norman ever truly be himself?This poignant and uplifting story about individuality is filled with stunning artwork in a striking minimal palette. From Tom Percival''s bestselling Big Bright Feelings series, it is the perfect book about self-acceptance and being yourself.

From author and illustrator Tom Percival, creator of the bestselling Big Bright Feelings series, a beautifully illustrated, uplifting picture book that is bursting with kindness and good deeds''A real winner - great to look at and with a feel-good factor to match.'' Books My Toddler LovesAlfonzo the goat couldn''t be happier. He''s just got himself a dashing new coat and he feels like a million dollars. But when he discovers some creatures in need of help, will Alfonzo be able to part with his treasured possession to save the day?Let me tell you the tale of Alfonzo the goat,Who was terribly fond of his lovely new coat ...The perfect picture-book pick-me-up showing that love, kindness and friendship make the best recipe for happiness.

From author and illustrator Tom Percival, creator of the bestselling Big Bright Feelings series, a beautifully illustrated, uplifting picture book that is bursting with kindness and good deeds'A real winner - great to look at and with a feel-good factor to match.' Books My Toddler LovesAlfonzo the goat couldn’t be happier. He’s just got himself a dashing new coat and he feels like a million dollars. But when he discovers some creatures in need of help, will Alfonzo be able to part with his treasured possession to save the day?Let me tell you the tale of Alfonzo the goat,Who was terribly fond of his lovely new coat ...The perfect picture-book pick-me-up showing that love, kindness and friendship make the best recipe for happiness.

A reassuring and sensitive book – the perfect springboard for talking to children about sharing their hidden worries. From the Big Bright Feelings series by Tom PercivalBe open, be honest, be you! Big Bright Feelings for little people.''If your child has a worry - and all children do have worries - this is the ideal book to encourage them to talk about it'' Parents In TouchRuby loves being Ruby. Until, one day, she finds a worry.At first it''s not such a big worry, and that''s all right, but then it starts to grow. It gets bigger and bigger every day and it makes Ruby sad. How can Ruby get rid of it and feel like herself again?A perceptive and poignant story that is a must-have for all children''s bookshelves. From Tom Percival''s bestselling Big Bright Feelings series, this is the perfect book for discussing childhood worries and anxieties, no matter how big or small they may be.

A reassuring and sensitive book – the perfect springboard for talking to children about sharing their hidden worries. From the Big Bright Feelings series by Tom PercivalBe open, be honest, be you! Big Bright Feelings for little people.'If your child has a worry - and all children do have worries - this is the ideal book to encourage them to talk about it' Parents In TouchRuby loves being Ruby. Until, one day, she finds a worry.At first it's not such a big worry, and that's all right, but then it starts to grow. It gets bigger and bigger every day and it makes Ruby sad. How can Ruby get rid of it and feel like herself again?A perceptive and poignant story that is a must-have for all children's bookshelves. From Tom Percival's bestselling Big Bright Feelings series, this is the perfect book for discussing childhood worries and anxieties, no matter how big or small they may be.

A brilliant picture book about dealing with difficult emotions, from author and illustrator Tom Percival, creator of the bestselling Big Bright Feelings seriesBe open, be honest, be you! Big Bright Feelings for little people.Most of the time Ravi can control his temper but, one day, he lets out the tiger within …Being a tiger is great fun at first – tigers can do ANYTHING they want! But who wants to play with a growling, roaring, noisy, wild tiger who won''t share or play nicely? Ravi is about to discover something very important about expressing his feelings and making amends.A clever and engaging book about temper tantrums, dealing with emotions and learning to express and understand your feelings. From Tom Percival''s bestselling Big Bright Feelings series, this is the perfect book for helping with bad days and noisy outbursts.Nominated for the BookTrust StoryTime Prize 2020