Little Cycle Breakers

Big little stories about becoming yourself.

A growing collection of illustrated picture books for children ages 3–8. Each book gently interrupts one old pattern many of us grew up with, like people-pleasing or brushing feelings aside, and gives grown-ups simple words to try instead.

Books

• Poppy the People Pleaser

  Poppy was a people pleaser! She was a kind little monster who loved to make others happy... so much that she often forgot about caring for herself. Once Poppy learned to listen to her body and take care of her own needs before helping all of her friends, she could find balance and be the best version of herself.

  Lesson: Authenticity, boundaries, and finding your voice. The cycle it interrupts: Self-abandonment to earn approval.

• Gladiolus and the Hair Don'ts

  Hair grows. Feelings change.

  Glad loves his big, curly hair just the way it is. So when “just a little trim” turns into something he never expected, his worries start to race: Will everyone laugh? Will anyone still want to be his friend? With a friend who reminds him he's still Glad, and a mom who learns to listen and says sorry, Glad discovers that hair grows back, and feelings change too.

  Lesson: Body autonomy, change, and expressing feelings. The cycle it interrupts: Dismissing children’s preferences and emotions.

• Rose & Rue’s Magic Perspective Goggles

  Two little sisters. Two wonderful views.

  Rose and Rue are twins. They share toys, stories, and sometimes even socks. But they don’t always notice the same things, not even when they’re looking at the very same thing! When a mysterious invitation leads them to a secret garden, Rose spots the big wonders up high and Rue finds the tiny wonders down low. To wake the garden’s greatest surprise, they’ll have to swap their magic goggles and see the world through each other’s eyes.

  Lesson: Empathy and perspective-taking. The cycle it interrupts: Assuming your experience is everyone’s experience.

• Talkative Tansy Learns to Listen

  Lesson: Listening and making space for others. The cycle it interrupts: Interrupting and dominating conversations. Growing soon.

• Narcissus

  Lesson: Humility and recognizing others. The cycle it interrupts: Excessive self-focus and seeking validation. Growing soon.

• Detached Dahlia

  Lesson: Emotional availability and connection. The cycle it interrupts: Withdrawing, shutting down, and avoiding vulnerability. Growing soon.

• Know-It-All Sage Learns Something New!

  Lesson: Intellectual humility and curiosity. The cycle it interrupts: Needing to be right and correcting others. Growing soon.

Free for families and classrooms

Talk Cards, printables and a teacher discussion guide, all free. See free printables.