For children who fall apart when they get things wrong
Mistakes shouldn't feel like the end of the world - but for some children, they do.
Some children do not just feel disappointed when something goes wrong. They feel embarrassed, frustrated, worried or ready to give up completely - often faster than adults expect.
Join Sammy Squirrel and her calm friend Toby Turtle in a gentle, reassuring story that helps children understand mistakes are not something to fear. They are how we learn.
£10.99
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Loved by real parents & grandparents
5-star Amazon reader reviews
“Lovely book worth its weight in gold x”
“I got this for my niece. I wished something like this was around to explain feelings when my son was little... these are amazing.”
“So relatable for my grandchildren x”
Does this feel familiar?
- Your child gets upset, embarrassed or frustrated the moment something goes wrong.
- One small mistake can lead to tears, shutting down or refusing to try again.
- You want them to feel brave enough to keep trying - without fear of getting it wrong.
A gentler way to understand mistakes
Sammy Squirrel loves getting things right. So when she makes a mistake, her big feelings arrive fast - a funny tummy, racing thoughts and the urge to give up.
With help from her calm friend Toby Turtle, Sammy learns that mistakes are not something to fear. They are how we learn, grow and get braver each time we try.
The story gives children a warm, humorous character they can see themselves in, and gives grown-ups gentle words for the moments when getting it wrong feels far too big.
How this story may help
Mistakes don't make them bad
Reassures children that getting things wrong is a normal part of learning - not a sign that something is wrong with them.
Handle frustration kindly
Helps children move through embarrassment and frustration without shutting down or giving up.
Build the courage to try again
Shows how a wobble, a breath and one more go can turn a hard moment into a proud one.
Grow self-kindness and confidence
Introduces the idea that being gentle with ourselves helps us keep learning and keep trying.
Meet Sammy Squirrel
Sammy Squirrel loves getting things right - so when a mistake arrives, so do her big feelings. With warmth, humour and her calm friend Toby Turtle by her side, she begins to see mistakes in a whole new way.
When We Make Mistakes is a comforting picture book for children who struggle with perfectionism, frustration, self-doubt, embarrassment, resilience or giving up when things feel hard.
It's a kind, reassuring read-aloud for parents, carers and teachers who want children to feel brave enough to keep trying.
£10.99
Buy the Book on AmazonA peek inside
Inside the book
Mistakes are not the end of the story - they're the start of learning.
A warm, encouraging book for children who need to hear that trying again is one of the bravest things they can do.
Big Feelings Are OK: When We Make Mistakes
A gentle story about mistakes, resilience, self-confidence and learning to try again.
by Nicola Ahern
£10.99
Buy the Book on Amazon