EK Books – serie

A little girl helps her neighbourhood connect with each other in thistouching story about friendship, inclusion and sharing.Do you ever feel like you can see the whole world, but no one can seeyou? Hidden amongst the leaves of a fig tree, a young girl watches as thepeople in her street busily go about their day, disappearing into their homesor cars without looking up. She tries to get the neighbours’ attention as shemoves through the branches, but no one notices. As the girl watches herneighbours, she wonders how she can get them to see her – and everyone elsearound them. A plan begins to form, involving generosity, kindness, and a lotof figs …Hidden is a heart-warming story which shows how one child’s idea has the powerto build relationships and bring a whole community together. In a time whenmany people feel disconnected and isolated, this story is an important reminderthat everyone – young and old – deserves to be seen, included and feel a senseof belonging in their community. Full of hope and heart, Hidden is the perfect way to introducelittle readers to the importance of sharing and treating everyone withkindness.

Poppy finds a crafty solution for carrying her treasures in this uplifting story about creativity, upcycling, community spirit – and the joy of pockets!Poppy picks up the most amazing things when she’s out exploring, from glossy feathers to rattling seed pods to shiny buttons. But she’s missing something very important: pockets to carry her findings!After an unsuccessful wardrobe search, Poppy’s creativity is sparked. With some crafty textile upcycling, she makes her own pocket-covered outfit. It’s such a success that she opens a stand in her street offering pocket-making for all. But what happens when Poppy runs out of fabric, and people still want pockets? Can Poppy and her neighbourhood friends come together to find a solution?Girls’ clothing almost never has practical pockets, which affects how girls play, move, and navigate life. Poppy Makes Pockets celebrates of the joy of pockets, and highlights that girls need them too. It also explores themes of upcycling worn-out clothing, inspiring young readers to think about sustainable and creative solutions to problems. Full of positivity and joy, this delightful story will entertain little readers everywhere, especially those who love collecting treasures.

Boldilocks is aboy with spectacular, shimmering hair, who finds that differences can bedifficult to deal with — and that sometimes, it’s best to be bold.BellamyBoldilocks’ hair is notorious. It swooshes and streams so strikingly thateveryone looks at him and whispers, embarrassing him wherever he goes. But whenPa takes him to the hairdresser to do something about it, something unexpectedhappens. With a little salon magic and a whole lot of love, much more than hairis transformed.This silly, funpicture book is perfect for preschoolers and up. It challenges genderstereotyping that can offer a narrow definition of what’s acceptable for boysor girls, often depriving little boys of bright colors, or rainbows, orsparkles — all the fun, self-expressive stuff!Boldilocks is an uplifting story about beingconfident in your skin (and hair) and will resonate with anyone who has everfelt a little bit embarrassed about how they look. It celebrates the power ofcommunity and how it can makeover shame into joyful pride.

Sometimes, when the world doesn’t make sense, we have to find our own way. Just like Spot the dot.Meet Spot. A simple dot. A dot from what? Poor Spot forgot. Spot the Dot tells the story of a little dot trying to find where he fits in. When he realizes he’s forgotten where he came from, Spot goes on a journey of discovery, trying out all kinds of things to uncover his place in the world. Is Spot a lost sentence ending period? Or did he fall from a mushroom top? Along the way, Spot finds that there are many wonderful places where he might belong.Simple, rhythmic and with graphic illustrations, Spot the Dot is a universal story about belonging and our individual search for meaning.

Meet Isla, Sophie, Dominik, James and Rashida — Scottish children representing a multicultural blend of culture and race that typifies our beautiful country. They will take you through a year in the life of Scottish kids, from celebrations to traditions to events, to our everyday way of life and the little things that make childhood so memorable. They are our Scottish childhood.A Scottish Year is a picture book bursting with national pride. It is a snapshot of who we are as a nation, blending our modern-day culture and lifestyle with past traditions and strong heritage. Its pages feature meandering text, dates and gorgeous illustrations, showcasing our five Scottish children at play, at school, at home, and enjoying the sights and sites of Scotland — from our heather-strewn Highlands to our historical cities, pristine outer islands and charming rural towns.

Celebrating new ideas that can make a world of difference, Jørn’s Magnificent Imagination is the true story of Jørn Utzon, the architect of the world-renowned Sydney Opera House.Was it a sailboat, a seashell, a swan or an orange peel that inspired Jørn to design Australia’s most recognisable building? In this gorgeously illustrated story, we follow Jørn through childhood as he discovers his love of building and creating, gathering ideas from everything around himself. When he grows bigger, so do his ideas, and something begins to take shape… can you guess what it might be?Jørn’s story is about embracing dreams, believing in your own abilities, and the power of new ideas. Written in honour of the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Sydney Opera House, it is also a topical springboard for educators and families into how the iconic landmark came to be. In celebrating the incredibly talented Jørn Utzon, it shows children that there are no limits to what they might achieve if they follow their dreams.In a world of screens and busyness, Jørn’s Magnificent Imagination is an important reminder of the joy in taking the time to dream and create, a reminder which might just benefit children and their carers alike. Charming and heart-warming, it will enthral and inspire young readers, encouraging them to look at the world around them and use their imagination to its full potential.

Bringing the mystery of metamorphosis to life, Grub is sure to delight insect-loving young readers with its realistic illustrations, gentle humour, and surprise ending. On the floor of the rainforest, far below the tree canopy, a small grub has a big question. Sensing that his body is about to change, he wonders what he will become, so he turns to his friends for answers. The ladybird, the cicada, the dragonfly and the monarch butterfly all describe what they looked like before they changed – and none looked like the grub. Eventually, the grub begins to change – and his transformation is spectacular!With realistic illustrations, vivid detail and gentle humour, Grub brings the habitat and life cycle of the Hercules beetle, and other insects that undergo metamorphosis, to life. The final reveal is sure to send young readers on a journey of discovery to learn more about the amazing Hercules beetle – one of the world’s largest – with its giant pincers.

This book is perfect for young readers just beginning to learn an instrument, particularly violin or cello, as well as for every parent or teacher helping them along the way. The story celebrates the joy of unexpected friendship through music, with appealing characters and carefully drawn settings of apartment living. Two children, two cultures, two instruments, and one piece of music; the inclusion of a playable tune is a bonus!

A fun, engaging story, perfect for children learning how to do something for the first time.Easy Peasy follows Ruby, who has just received her first pair of roller skates as a present from her dad. She’s convinced it will be easy peasy to learn how to roller skate and dismisses her dad when he offers to help her. But after a few tumbles, Ruby realises it isn’t as easy as she thinks and she might need her dad’s help after all. Author Ky Garvey was initially inspired by her son, who as a little boy loved his skateboard so much that he took it to bed with him every night like a teddy bear. But as she began to write, she remembered the joy of roller skating with her dad at the local rink every Saturday morning. As Ky puts it, ‘It was treasured time together and I wanted to reflect that relationship in my book.’Easy Peasy will delight skating-mad girls and patient parents while providing a lesson in independence and perseverance. And the hilarious, relatable illustrations by Amy Calautti add an extra dash of shiny, sparkly fun!

This funny, engaging eco story invites young readers to follow the adventures of Harriet's ravenous compost worms as they munch their way through their wide and wonderful weekly menu.Harriet's nine-hundred-and-eighty-three hungry worms live in a shady corner of her backyard in a big, green box. They spend their days munching on anything from Aunt Tilda's herbal teabags to the sports pages of Uncle Sam's paper. Harriet watches and waits, eventually deciding the worms are 'so BORING'. Until one day, the worms leave Harriet a big surprise ... worm wee!Packed with worm facts, Harriet's Hungry Worms is the ideal companion for worm warriors and curious composters keen to roll their sleeves up and put their kitchen food scraps to good use.Continuing the sustainability message, inventive illustrations incorporating recycled materials bloom from each page, breathing beautiful life into this fun-filled story.

Everyone enjoys the cosiness and friendliness of their favourite café . But what happens when the place you love suddenly changes? Mabel loves visiting Miss Plums Sugar Plum Café and drawing pictures for the arty-smarty wall. But one day, Mabel finds the café under renovation by someone new. She misses her favourite café , and she misses Miss Plums smiles. One day, the café reopens, and Mabel reluctantly visits there with her mother. Will this new place provide Mabel with the same joy she felt in the old place? And how will Mabel accept its differences?In The Welcome Cookies, Mabel witnesses what she perceives to be the destruction of a place she loved. The story shows how even though we can sometimes mourn the loss of a place and miss seeing people, if we open ourselves to new things, it can mean new beginnings and a chance for new friendships to develop. The story also shows how a child has the power to make someone feel special and welcome.With sensitive illustrations that give life to Mabels emotional responses, this book will have young and old alike wanting to visit their local café to taste the welcome cookies.

A moving story about the bond between a mother and her child. My Heart depicts the many ways a mothers heart can experience love and emotion while her baby journeys through the milestones of growing up. The story uses repetition and subtle variation to reflect the activity and reactions of the mother's heart, and how they change with each mother-child interaction. The narrative moves through the early years until the child goes off on their first independent activity, a deeply moving moment for all mothers. Beautifully detailed illustrations depict the connection between mother and child, reminding readers that a mother's heart will always be with her children, no matter where they go.

Some Families Change tenderly guides children through various models of changing families with gentle verse and inclusive imagery.You may not have thought much about it, but did you know that some families change? Some get bigger, others smaller and some completely rearrange!Changes in the structure of a family can be joyful, turbulent, and especially confusing for little humans. Some Families Change is a gentle and reassuring way of showing children that all families go through changes – its completely natural, and they are not alone.The book candidly explores concepts such as split families, single-parent households, families with two mums or dads, families that join together, and more, always maintaining sensitivity and sincerity. Children grappling with these changes often harbor difficult feelings. The book validates these emotions, emphasizing that it's okay to feel upset or worried because adjusting to change takes time.By sharing this book, children and parents can embark on a journey of understanding and emotional healing together, reminding themselves that their feelings are normal, and it's healthy to express them. A timely and therapeutic resource, Some Families Change assists families in navigating their emotional journey together, amidst the inevitable changes that life brings.

An inspiring story about the people – and animals – who make us brave, perfect for young readers who are struggling with nerves or anxiety.In The Real Cowgirl, Sal feels safe and strong at home, and out riding with her pony. She has big dreams of being a cowgirl of being brave, smart and wild. But at school, where she feels anxious and isolated, those dreams seem very far away. How will Sal find her self-confidence and be her true self even when she is scared? Join Sal and her pony for this heart-warming story about friendship, and the way in which it can make you feel brave. Featuring beautiful, vibrant illustrations of Sals life on the farm, it will delight young readers with an interest in animals and adventure. It will also provide inspiration and comfort for children who experience anxiety, showing them the power of small acts of bravery, and how our friends can build us up to feel all the wonderful things they already see in us. The Real Cowgirl was inspired by the authors own childhood, growing up on a farm in NSW, Australia with her pony as a source of support and comfort. It is a story about being yourself, finding bravery through friendship, and what it takes to be a real cowgirl.

Frankie discovers that beautiful things can be made from broken pieces, in this sensitive and hopeful story about family separation.One day, Mums vase breaks, and everything changes. All of a sudden, Frankies Dad doesnt live at home anymore, and Nana has come to stay for a while. Frankies life has broken apart just like the vase, and she feels upset and lost. Then Nana has an ideaFull of expressive, colourful illustrations, The Mosaic is an optimistic story about parental separation and the healing power of art. Little readers will delight in following Nana and Frankie as they go on an adventure and find an unexpected source of hope and inspiration. They will see that while some changes can feel sad and overwhelming at first, they can also lead to happiness if we know where to look. Children all over the world are impacted by parental divorce and separation. The Mosaic offers a fresh perspective, focussing on the good that can come from change and giving children comfort in a time of grief and uncertainty. Inspired by the authors conversations with her own children, it is a uniquely personal story that will help any children going through difficult changes to find hope, resilience and joy.

Patrick and Dad learn how to cope with their grief together in this beautifully illustrated, uplifting story about resilience, connection, and growth.When Patrick suffers a huge loss, he finds comfort in holding an acorn that drops at his feet. The more acorns he collects, the less empty he feels… but soon there are acorns hiding in cupboards, under the rug, and even in Dad’s work shoes. As the tide of acorns grows, Patrick’s belongings are buried under them, until all he has is… perhaps… too many acorns. Join Patrick and Dad as they learn how to cope with their overwhelming grief together, rediscovering the things that make them happy while holding their memories close. Through gentle language, illustrations and metaphor, Too Many Acorns explores big emotions in a way that is manageable and understandable for young readers. It is a heart-warming story about the ways we find to cope in the hardest times, perfect for sharing with little ones who are experiencing the loss of a loved one, or any other emotional upheaval.

Barry the Brontosaurus just wants to fit in at his new school. But something about him is going to make him stand out!Barry is very excited about starting at the finest school in the Jurassic world — the Brontosaurus Academy. Best of all, he’s going to buy a beautiful new tie so he can look like all the other students. But when Barry ventures to the shop of Mr Bruno, the most famous Brontosaurus tailor in the land, he discovers he has a very short neck … and all the ties are very long!This makes Barry so scared of standing out that he loses heart. But with the help of his friend Luna, he decides not to give up. What Barry eventually finds is that, with a bit of creativity and a lot of determination, being yourself is not only okay, it’s fabulous!A Tie for Barry is a delightful story about friendship, kindness, imagination, and the power of creative thinking to help you discover your unique self.

A gentle, empowering picture book that reframes children’s understanding of their bodies as living maps of experience, memory, and selfhood.My Memory Map invites young readers to see their bodies differently. Rather than something to be judged or compared, the body becomes a map—marked by freckles, scars, birthmarks, and changes that tell the story of who we are and how we grow.Written with warmth and sensitivity, the story encourages children to notice, name, and value the marks that make them unique. Each mark carries meaning: a reminder of adventure, resilience, family, or love. Through this lens, difference becomes something to celebrate rather than hide.Ideal for shared reading at home or in the classroom, My Memory Map supports conversations around body awareness, self-acceptance, and emotional literacy in a way that feels accessible and affirming rather than didactic. Grace Fraraccio’s expressive illustrations add depth and warmth, offering visual cues that invite empathy and reflection.The book speaks directly to children navigating early questions of identity, while also providing caregivers and educators with a valuable tool to counter negative body messaging and build confidence from a young age.

This funny, engaging eco story invites young readers to follow the adventures of Harriet’s ravenous compost worms as they munch their way through their wide and wonderful weekly menu.Harriet’s nine-hundred-and-eighty-three hungry worms live in a shady corner of her backyard in a big, green box. They spend their days munching on anything from Aunt Tilda’s herbal teabags to the sports pages of Uncle Sam’s paper. Harriet watches and waits, eventually deciding the worms are ‘so BORING.’ Until one day, the worms leave Harriet a big surprise … worm wee!Packed with worm facts, Harriet’s Hungry Worms is the ideal companion for worm warriors and curious composters keen to roll their sleeves up and put their kitchen food scraps to good use. Continuing the sustainability message, inventive illustrations incorporating recycled materials bloom from each page, breathing beautiful life into this fun-filled story.

Her mother says you can’t see her daddy’s hurt because it’s inside his head.One in five adults experiences depression in their lifetime, but young children are often left in the dark when their mother or father suddenly can’t play like they used to.Together Things will resonate with the thousands of young children who know what it’s like to live with a parent experiencing mental illness. It will help them to understand — in an age appropriate and sensitive way — that it is okay for them to feel mad or sad about their parent’s illness, but that, while their parent is getting better, they may have to do different things together to preserve their relationship, such as reading stories or drawing pictures, instead of the imaginative play their parent cannot currently envision through the haze of mental illness.Through wondrous illustrations and a compelling story, young children can understand the importance of mental health discussions and that sometimes they must adapt their interactions while the people in their lives focus on their mental health.

Grumpy old Mrs Gooseberry from next door has lost her love. "I didn't know you could lose love," says Ella. So she begins her quest to find out what love looks like and how she can help Mrs Gooseberry to rediscover it. Her mother says love is like home-cooked pie. Her teacher says it's like lanterns in the night. Perhaps love might look like a little kitten...Ella and Mrs Gooseberry is an inspiring picture book about a child's understanding of love, selfless giving and how it makes you feel.

Catch up with a girl called Tomorrow — you better be quick because she’s always in a hurry! "You’ll catch up with the next day if you keep rushing," says Tomorrow’s mother. But when Tomorrow meets worrywart Yesterday and trips over thoughtful Today, her whole world begins to slow down.Tomorrow Girl is a quirky tale delivering a timely reminder about the importance of mindfulness and what can happen when we allow ourselves time to be in the moment amidst a modern-day rush. It’s brimming with wonderful teachable moments for children to reflect on how they can be more mindful in their everyday lives and discover new friendships just by being in the moment.

Worry Monster loves "helping" Archie worry, especially the night before he starts his new school. Archie feels so anxious that his head hurts, his tummy flutters and his heart pounds. He soon realizes the only way to feel better is to make Worry Monster go away. He does his belly breaths and faces facts to challenge his inner fears.Children have the potential to engage and empathise with Archie and Worry Monster both through the text and the subtle gestures and fleeting emotions captured in the beautiful illustrations. Encouraging children to name their anxiety is an evidence-based, current strategy used by psychologists to assist children in separating themselves from their anxiety.Go Away, Worry Monster! gives children this and other useful strategies to cope, showing them how to make their own Worry Monsters leave during stressful periods of their lives, from starting or changing schools, to a change in family dynamics. Created by an author and illustrator passionate about helping children to cope with common emotional difficulties, this is an invaluable, life-changing resource for young children and their parents in guiding emotional development.

Flick is just like any other youngster. She loves to chase butterflies and jump in autumn leaves. But life at the end of Holyrood Lane is often violent and unpredictable due to the constant storms that plague her home, causing her to cringe with dread and flee whenever they strike. Flick tries her best to quell her fears and endure the storms’ persistent wrath until, one day, with nowhere left to hide Flick summons the courage to face her fears by asking for help to overcome them.At the End of Holyrood Lane provides a sensitive glimpse into one aspect of domestic violence and how it can affect young lives. Designed to be visually arresting, emotionally incisive, and ultimately uplifting, it is a tale of anxiety shown through the eyes of a small child with an intense dislike for thunderstorms — a fear shared by many young children. This clever duality of meaning is able to evoke a gentle awareness for young readers who may be suffering their own domestic torment but who are too scared or unsure of how to seek help and shelter from their own storms, whatever their nature.This is the second book by the acclaimed author–illustrator team of Dimity Powell and Nicky Johnston, who specialise in handling difficult subjects with sensitivity and hope.

In this fun-filled, action-packed picture book, our main character is quite convinced they’re not in a book. After all, if this was a book, there’d be pages to turn … Oops! We’ve just turned the page.But that’s not conclusive proof this is a book. If it was a book, there’d be interesting settings and problems to solve. Hold on! Why is our lead character being chased by a lion? Why are pirates stealing treasure? And are those mermaids playing in a rock band?This is NOT a Book! is the perfect introduction for kids to how a book is structured and how to tell a good story. It’s metafiction made fun!

When Finn’s family plants a tree in the backyard, he feels responsible for it and worries the little sapling is cold, hungry or lonely. He tries to share his breakfast with the tree, offers it his scarf, and spends the afternoon keeping it company. Just after going to bed, his nightlight goes out and Finn is plunged into darkness. As his nerves start to take hold, it occurs to him that his tree is outside in the dark, every night! But when he sees that his little tree is standing tall and brave in the moonlight and doesn’t seem afraid, it inspires Finn to be brave as well. And so Finn’s kindness and curiosity end up helping him to overcome his fear of the dark. Growing Pains is a touching story about curiosity, kindness, empathy, care of the environment, and overcoming your fears.

Reena is deaf, and Dog is homeless, but they are also so much more than that.At first Reena and Dog feel like they don’t belong, but when they form a unique bond of friendship with the children in the park, they discover that everyone is different in their own special ways.Reena’s Rainbow is about friendship, diversity, and acceptance. It sends the message that true friends will always accept your differences and love you just the way you are.

Book lives at the library and desperately wants to go outside like the other books, but is intimidated by all the things that might happen ‘out there’. A page might get torn. Book’s cover might get dirty. Book might never be returned to the library!Meanwhile, little Emma loves visiting the library and delights in the many adventures to be had in the stories she finds there. When Emma meets Book, they find they are just what each other needs. Together, Book and Emma move out of their comfort zone to try new things, meet new people, and enjoy a fair few adventures — climbing trees, laughing in the rain, and even cheering along at a football match!On their adventures, Book and Emma discover that ‘out there’ needn’t be scary if you just take it one step at a time. A beautifully illustrated, inspirational tale, Scaredy Book shows the fun that is to be had when you stop letting worry hold you back. Children and parents alike will enjoy this story about being brave, taking risks, and living to tell the tale!