Children's book series
Helping every child see themselves, recognise others, and discover their own gift.These heartwarming picture books celebrate curiosity, creativity, kindness and belonging through stories where every child can see themselves, recognise others and discover that everyone has something valuable to contribute.
Wonder neighbourhood bookshelf:
These are the current titles available on Amazon for purchase but more titles are being released soon.
Ruby can't wait for race day!
She's practised hard, her friends are cheering her on, and she's ready to race. But when excitement gets the better of her, Ruby remembers her coach's advice: slow down, breathe and focus.
With one deep breath, Ruby discovers that staying calm helps her notice what's important and enjoy every moment of the race.
A heartwarming Wonder Neighbourhood story celebrating perseverance, mindfulness and the confidence that comes from believing in yourself.
Leo's gift is curiosity.
When an ordinary day in Wonder Neighbourhood takes an unexpected turn, Leo's questions help everyone discover something they might otherwise have missed.
A heartwarming Wonder Neighbourhood story celebrating curiosity, confidence and the wonderful things that happen when children are encouraged to look a little closer.
Building a giant marble run should be easy... shouldn't it?
When Mateo and his friends discover that their ideas don't fit together, frustration starts to grow. But with a little teamwork, lots of problem-solving and a willingness to keep trying, they learn that the best creations are built one small step at a time.
A heartwarming Wonder Neighbourhood story celebrating teamwork, perseverance and the power of solving problems together.
Ben loves building and creating.
When Ben and his friend Leo bring one of their imaginative creations to kindergarten, Miss Jen is inspired to fill the classroom with boxes, cardboard tubes and recycled treasures for everyone to explore. Soon, an ordinary cardboard tube becomes a telescope, a robot, a rocket... or something nobody has imagined yet! Join Ben and his friends as they discover that sometimes the biggest ideas begin with the simplest things.
A heartwarming Wonder Neighbourhood story celebrating creativity, imagination and the joy of seeing the world in a brand-new way.
Noah loves hip hop dancing.
He's determined to master a tricky new spin, but the harder he tries to make it perfect, the more frustrated he becomes. When his friend Finn shares a different way of experiencing music, Noah begins to see dancing—and himself—in a whole new way.
A heartwarming Wonder Neighbourhood story celebrating perseverance, friendship and the joy of trusting yourself.
Nina notices the little things.
A dropped lunchbox. Spilt paint. A tower that tumbles down. Wherever someone needs a helping hand, Nina is already on her way. Before long, her kindness begins to spread, and soon everyone in Wonder Neighbourhood is helping each other too.
A heartwarming Wonder Neighbourhood story celebrating kindness, empathy and the joy of helping others.
Elias is new to Wonder Neighbourhood.
The classroom is full of friendly faces, but when everyone speaks words he doesn’t understand, joining in isn’t so easy. With pictures, gestures, music and a little help from his new friends, Elias discovers there are lots of ways to understand each other — even before you know all the words. And before long, Elias is finding ways to help his friends understand him too.A heartwarming Wonder Neighbourhood story celebrating communication, understanding and the many different ways we can connect.
Sophie has some very exciting news — she’s going to be a big sister!Lily will be joining Sophie’s family soon, and Sophie can hardly wait. As she counts down the days, Sophie finds little ways to get ready — choosing a special book, making something for Lily’s room and practising the kindness and care she hopes to share with her new sister. When Lily finally arrives, Sophie discovers that becoming a family isn’t about being the same. It’s about making room for someone new and helping them know they belong.A warm story about adoption, kindness, belonging and the many ways families grow.
Sam likes knowing what’s happening next.
When an ambulance visit appears on the classroom schedule, Sam knows exactly when it is coming. But then a fire drill interrupts the day, the alarm is louder than he expected, and things don’t go quite to plan. With his headphones, a little support from Miss Jen and the comfort of knowing what comes next, Sam finds his way through a day full of surprises. Along the way, he discovers that some things can’t be planned — but he can still know what he needs when they happen.A heartwarming Wonder Neighbourhood story celebrating routines, self-regulation, sensory needs and finding confidence when the unexpected happens.
Ava is ready to try something new.
When it’s time to choose an after-school activity, there are so many possibilities. Fencing, swimming, table tennis, chess… Ava gives each one a try, but none of them feels quite right. Then she picks up a bow.A heartwarming Wonder Neighbourhood story celebrating curiosity, confidence and the joy of trying new things until you discover something you love.
About the books
In Wonder Neighbourhood, every child is the hero of their own story. Families come in many forms, abilities are celebrated, and differences are simply part of everyday life. These stories help children see themselves, recognise others, and discover that everyone has something valuable to contribute.
Everyone belongs and every story reminds us that our differences help make our neighbourhood stronger. Through kindness, curiosity and belonging, children discover that communities grow stronger when everyone is welcomed, valued and included.
Looking for a book your child can see themselves in?
Looking for characters your child can relate to?Every Wonder Neighbourhood story celebrates a different child's gift, but their family, culture, abilities and everyday life are simply part of who they are
—not the focus of the story.As a teacher, many parents have told me:
"I wish I could find more books with children who use wheelchairs."
"I wish there were stories with two mums."
"I wish my child could see a family like ours in a picture book."That's exactly why Wonder Neighbourhood was created.If you're looking for a particular family structure, disability, or representation, this guide will help you find stories where those children and families naturally appear. They're not there to teach a lesson—they're simply part of Wonder Neighbourhood, just as they are in real life.Wonder Neighbourhood helps you find the stories that feel like home.
| Book | Representation | Child's gift | Themes and lessons explored |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ruby's Race Day | Two mums • Child who uses a wheelchair | Perseverance | Perseverance • Mindfulness • Emotional regulation • Self-belief • Resilience |
| Leo's Little Discovery | Single father • Child with Down syndrome • Child with a hearing aid | Curiosity | Curiosity • Observation • Asking questions • Scientific thinking • Wonder |
| Mateo's Marble Run | Child who uses a wheelchair • Raised by grandparents | Problem solving | Teamwork • Cooperation • Flexible thinking • Persistence • Problem solving |
| Ben's Big Ideas | Two dads • Interracial couple | Creative thinking | Creativity • Imagination • Innovation • Open-ended play • Confidence to share ideas |
| Noah's New Move | Twins • Child with a hearing aid • Child who uses a wheelchair • Three legged dog | Determination | Friendship • Inclusion • Confidence • Empathy • Perseverance • Celebrating progress • Enjoying the journey |
| Nina notices everyone | Child who uses a wheelchair • Child with a hearing aid | Kindness | Kindness • Helping others • Making mistakes is ok |
| Elias Learns How | Vitiligo • Autism • Hearing aids Wheelchair user • Diabetes | Communication | Communication • Understanding • Inclusion • Empathy • Friendship • Belonging |
| Sophie's Little Sister | Birth defect • Down syndrome • Hearing aids • Wheelchair user | Acceptance | Kindness • Adoption • Acceptance • Belonging |
| Ava Tries Everything | Wheelchair user • Amputee • Multicultural community | Courage | Curiosity • Self-discovery • Resilience • Trying new things |
| Sam's Unexpected Day | Wheelchair user • Amputee • Hearing aid • Autism | Noticing | Routines • Unexpected changes • Sensory needs • Self regulation |
Copyright
Wonder Neighbourhood
Copyright © 2026 Janet Caddick
Illustrations and text copyright © 2026 Janet Caddick.
All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission from the publisher, except for brief quotations used in reviews or educational references.