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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Finn has one of those days.
His lunch has been forgotten. It’s his news day, but his special item is still at home. Then a splash of paint leaves him needing the spare clothes that aren’t in his bag either. As each little problem appears, Finn discovers that there is often more than one way to make things work — and that the people around him are ready to help.
At the end of the day, Finn is the last child waiting to be collected. But when Mum finally arrives, Finn knows something important: grown-ups forget things too. Together, Finn and Mum find a simple way to help them both remember tomorrow.A heartwarming Wonder Neighbourhood story celebrating compassion, creative problem-solving and the reminder that everyone forgets sometimes.
Zara sees something she can’t stop thinking about.While walking home after a day of climbing with her family, Zara sees a fox with a coffee cup stuck on its head. Further along the trail, she spots a squirrel caught in a chip packet. Zara begins to wonder how much rubbish is out there — and how many other animals might be getting hurt by it.Back at Wonder Kindy, Zara shares what she saw with her friends. At first, the problem seems much too big for a group of children to solve. But as they begin noticing the little choices they can make every day, Zara discovers something important: she doesn’t have to clean every park or beach. She can look after her little bit — and lots of little actions together can make a big difference.A heartwarming Wonder Neighbourhood story celebrating caring for the environment, problem-solving and the power of small actions.
Malia loves being active and playing with her friends!Whether she's running, climbing or dancing, Malia is always ready for another adventure. But when a game of tag leaves her coughing and struggling to breathe, Malia discovers how important it is to listen to her body's clues.With help from Miss Jen and her friends, Malia learns that our bodies have different ways of telling us what they need. Soon, everyone becomes a body detective, learning to notice, wonder and ask for help.A heartwarming Wonder Neighbourhood story celebrating interoception, body awareness, asthma and the importance of listening to our bodies.
What happens when everyone wants to play something different?
Ollie wants to play pirates, Ruby has exciting ideas of her own, and Sally just wants someone to play dolls with. But when nobody wants to change their plans, feelings get hurt and friendships are tested.
With a little guidance from Miss Jen, the three friends discover that playing together isn't about always getting your own way. It's about listening to others, sharing ideas, taking turns and finding ways for everyone to feel included.A heartwarming Wonder Neighbourhood story about friendship, understanding, compromise and discovering that different ideas can lead to the biggest adventures. Because everyone deserves to have a say, and the best adventures are the ones we create together!
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 | About | Representation | Themes explored |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ruby's Race Day | Ruby competes in a motocross race and discovers that enjoying the race matters more than winning. | Two mums • Child who uses a wheelchair | Perseverance • Mindfulness • Emotional regulation • Self-belief • Resilience |
| Leo's Little Discovery | Leo's curiosity about something she notices leads her to investigate, ask questions and make a little discovery. | Single father • Child with Down syndrome • Child with a hearing aid | Curiosity • Observation • Asking questions • Scientific thinking • Wonder |
| Mateo's Marble Run | Mateo and his friends work together to build a marble run, solving problems each time their ideas don't quite work. | Child who uses a wheelchair • Raised by grandparents | Teamwork • Cooperation • Flexible thinking • Persistence • Problem solving |
| Ben's Big Ideas | Ben turns ordinary materials into extraordinary creations and discovers the possibilities that come from sharing his ideas. | Two dads • Interracial couple | Creativity • Imagination • Innovation • Open-ended play • Confidence to share ideas |
| Noah's New Move | Noah works hard to learn a new dance move and discovers that progress doesn't have to happen straight away. | Twins • Child with a hearing aid • Child who uses a wheelchair • Three legged dog | Friendship • Inclusion • Confidence • Empathy • Perseverance • Celebrating progress • Enjoying the journey |
| Nina notices everyone | Nina notices when the people around her need help and discovers how small acts of kindness can make a difference. | Child who uses a wheelchair • Child with a hearing aid | Kindness • Helping others • Making mistakes is ok |
| Elias Learns How | Elias is new to Wonder Neighbourhood and discovers that there are many different ways to communicate, connect and belong. | Vitiligo • Autism • Hearing aids Wheelchair user • Diabetes | Communication • Understanding • Inclusion • Empathy • Friendship • Belonging |
| Sophie's Little Sister | Sophie prepares to become a big sister and learns that families—and the children who join them—can come together in different ways. | Birth defect • Down syndrome • Hearing aids • Wheelchair user | Kindness • Adoption • Acceptance • Belonging |
| Ava Tries Everything | Ava tries activity after activity before discovering that finding what you love sometimes means being brave enough to try something new. | Wheelchair user • Amputee • Multicultural community | Curiosity • Self-discovery • Resilience • Trying new things |
| Sam's Unexpected Day | When an unexpected change disrupts Sam's familiar routine, he finds ways to manage uncertainty and enjoy a day that didn't go to plan. | Wheelchair user • Amputee • Hearing aid • Autism | Routines • Unexpected changes • Sensory needs • Self regulation |
| Finn Forgets Too | Finn has a day when one thing after another is forgotten and discovers that everyone forgets sometimes — and there are always ways to make things work. | Hearing aids • Single mum • Wheelchair user • Amputee | Compassion • Creative problem-solving • Flexibility • Helping others • Mistakes are okay • Memory strategies |
| Zara’s Little Bit | Zara sees animals getting into trouble because of rubbish and discovers that lots of little actions can make a big difference. | Multigenerational family • Wheelchair user • Vitiligo • Hearing aids • Amputee • Insulin pump | Sustainability • Caring for animals • Environmental responsibility • Problem-solving • Taking action • Small actions make a difference |
| Malia's a body detective | Malia helps young children understand asthma, recognise their body's signals (interoception), communicate their needs and know when to ask for help. | Cleft lip • vitiligo • wheelchair user • amputee • glasses • down syndrome | Interoception • Asthma • Inclusion |
| Let's take turns | A story about taking turns, listening to others, navigating friendship disagreements and learning that everyone deserves to have their ideas heard. | Cleft lip • Wheelchair user • Down Syndrome • Hearing aids | Friendship • Sharing • Listening • Understanding |
Every Child Deserves to See Themselves in a Story
Is there a story you wish existed for your child?Have you searched for a children's book that reflects your child, your family or their experiences, but struggled to find one?At Wonder Neighbourhood, I believe every child deserves to feel seen, valued and included. I want children to open a book and recognise someone like themselves — not just in the background, but as a character with their own personality, friendships, adventures and story to tell.Perhaps your child has leukaemia and finds making friends difficult. Maybe they have alopecia and love gymnastics, or use an oxygen tank and dream of visiting an aquarium. Perhaps your family looks different from those usually represented in children's books, or your child has an experience you wish other children could better understand.I'd love to hear your story.I'm inviting families to share their children's experiences, interests, strengths and challenges, and the topics they would love to see explored in a book.Where possible, I'd love to work alongside you to develop a Wonder Neighbourhood character inspired by your child and create a meaningful story that reflects their experiences while helping other children develop understanding, empathy and acceptance.Your child is so much more than a diagnosis, disability or difference. Their interests, personality, dreams and friendships deserve to be celebrated too.My hope is to continue growing Wonder Neighbourhood into a place where more children can recognise themselves, discover others and feel that they truly belong.Because every child has a gift. Every child has a story. And every child deserves to belong. ❤️Have a story you'd love to see? Let's talk!
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About the author
Janet Caddick is an experienced early childhood and primary educator with more than 15 years of teaching experience across South Africa, Qatar and Australia. She holds a Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase teaching and a Master of Science in Early Childhood Studies.Currently teaching in Sydney, Janet has spent her career working with children and families from many different cultural, linguistic and family backgrounds. Her experiences in diverse classrooms have shaped her belief that every child deserves to open a book and find characters who reflect the wonderfully varied world around them.Janet continues to develop her practice through international professional learning in areas including Finnish pedagogy, play- and nature-based learning, inclusion, Universal Design for Learning and Harvard Project Zero approaches. Her work as both an educator and author is grounded in curiosity, belonging and a desire to create learning environments where differences are recognised, understood and valued.She created Wonder Neighbourhood to bring those values into children's literature—creating stories where children with different abilities, cultures, families, bodies and ways of experiencing the world are naturally part of the neighbourhood. Rather than defining characters by what makes them different, Janet's stories celebrate what each child notices, contributes, learns and brings to their community.
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.