Friendlies: A Rhyming Picture Book about Acceptance and Friendship

First Place, 2026 BookFest Awards. UK Wishing Shelf Finalist, evaluated by children themselves.

Deep in the huckleberry garden, master chef Rags keeps one simple rule. Everyone is welcome. It does not matter if you have a thick tail or a colourful snoot.

A spirited rhyming picture book for ages 6 to 10 with 100% human-made watercolour art. Through bouncing rhyme and a cast of mismatched neighbours, the story shows what real acceptance looks like in practice.

For children, this is a laugh-out-loud story with funny characters and zero lectures. For parents, it is a clever satire on modern society. The humour is sharp, and the Fine Print on the door at Friendlies stays with readers long after the final page.