A GUIDE FOR GROWN-UPS
Find a story for the moment you’re sharing.
A storm outside, a new classroom or the first night in a different bedroom: choose a book about something your child recognises, or let a favourite cover lead the way.
Thunder, darkness and bedtime
If your child wants a story for the quieter end of the day, start with the situation they recognise. These stories feature familiar company alongside surprising sounds, shadows or dreams.
The Not So Scary Thunder — Animal Friends
A little hedgehog and a very big rumble.
Explore this story →
The Not So Scary Nightmare
A strange dream, a familiar room and a cuddle from Dad.
Explore this story →A visit to the dentist
Noah’s story follows a first visit, Ava’s story explores unfamiliar sounds, and Leo Lion brings his questions in Animal Friends. Choose the story that matches what your child is curious about.
The Not So Scary Dentist — Animal Friends
Leo has some questions before his dental visit.
Explore this story →Starting school, moving home and first flights
New places bring new details to notice. A story can be something to share before a change, or a way to revisit it afterwards. Let your child choose which part they want to talk about.
The Not So Scary First Day of School
A new classroom, a kind teacher and one little step.
Explore this story →
The Not So Scary First Day at School — Animal Friends
Molly Mouse is taking a big first step.
Explore this story →
The Not So Scary Moving House: Oliver and Rosie’s Story
New rooms, familiar hugs and a family finding its feet.
Explore this story →
The Not So Scary Plane: Preston’s Story
A first flight, a little worry and a whole sky of adventure.
Explore this story →
An injection and asking for support
Penny Penguin’s Animal Friends story introduces a conversation about waiting, worries and asking a trusted grown-up for help. It is a story to share, and each child’s experience can be different.
The Not So Scary Injection — Animal Friends
A little penguin with a very big worry.
Explore this story →Three ways to make it your own
- Look at the cover together. Ask what your child notices, without testing them or looking for a particular answer.
- Read at a pace that works for you both. Pause for a question, revisit a picture or leave the rest for another time.
- Afterwards, offer a drawing prompt or simply close the book. A story does not need to become a lesson.
For an optional next step, the free drawing activities include a cosy corner, school questions, moving-home memories and a question for the dentist.
Before you choose an edition
The Animal Friends books feature animal characters and their families alongside the original stories. Purchase links for Animal Friends are coming soon. Other book pages link to the Amazon editions currently listed on this site. Check Amazon for the latest format, availability, reading-age information and any preview it offers. A Kindle edition and a paperback are separate purchases.
The free companion activities are suggested for ages 3–6 with a grown-up. That is an activity suggestion; check each book’s listing when choosing a reading level.
Explore the free activity pack