Big feelings. Familiar moments.

Meet the
characters.

They’re learning as they go. Just like the rest of us.

From a difficult day at school to the courage to try again, these characters give families a place to begin. Get to know a few of them here—we’ll leave their discoveries for the book.

Confidence & possibility

Scottie

Scottie knows what it feels like to be called a loser. With Suzy beside him, he starts exploring what he wants his life to look like—and how to take a first step.

Find them in: Scottie Learns About ‘THE PERFECT DAY’

A question to explore together

What would your perfect day look like?

Friendship & encouragement

Suzy

Suzy is the upbeat friend who helps Scottie see possibilities. But she has lessons to learn, too, especially when helping someone starts to sound more like criticism.

Find them in: Suzy Learns the Power of Encouragement

A question to explore together

What makes encouragement feel different from criticism?

Asking for help & big feelings

Lucy

Lucy’s stories explore the difficulty of asking for help, the hurt of bullying, and what happens when anger builds up. Her experiences open conversations that can be hard to start.

Find them in: Lucy Learns To Understand Her Anger

A question to explore together

Who could you talk to when something feels too big to handle alone?

Promises & self-belief

Jeannie

A walk to ballet class and a challenging dance lesson give Jeannie plenty to think about. Her stories explore keeping her word—to other people and to herself.

Find them in: Jeannie Learns To Keep Her Word To Herself

A question to explore together

What is one small promise you could keep to yourself?

Disappointment & perspective

Annie

Annie feels embarrassed and hurt after asking someone to a school dance. Her story invites readers to explore how they respond when something doesn’t go the way they hoped.

Find them in: Annie Gets Something Even Better Than What She Wants

A question to explore together

Have you ever found a new possibility after a disappointment?

Fear & finding courage

Nat

After an injury, gymnast Nat is afraid of falling again. Her story makes room to talk about fear, the things that matter to us, and moving forward with support.

Find them in: Nat Conquers Her Fear

A question to explore together

What would help you feel supported when trying again?

Trusting yourself

James

When a camping trip with his dad takes a frightening turn, James faces a difficult journey to get help. His story explores finding the courage to act when someone needs you.

Find them in: James Finds His Inner Voice

A question to explore together

When have you surprised yourself by doing something difficult?

Gratitude & comparison

Jessie

Jessie is upset that her allowance is smaller than her friend’s. Her story opens a conversation about comparison, appreciation, and noticing what we already have.

Find them in: Jessie Learns About Gratitude

A question to explore together

What is something in your life you’re grateful for today?

There’s more to every story

Which conversation
will you start?

Explore the characters’ stories, then use the questions and activities to make the lessons your own.