Sophie Says: picture books that help young children talk about feelings

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Sophie Says is a small children's publisher from Newcastle upon Tyne, founded by author Esther Marshall. She wrote the first book after her son was born, when she couldn't find a story with a girl as the lead character that carried the message she wanted him to hear, and the second, about mental health, is dedicated to the memory of her sister Rebecca. Every title follows a girl called Sophie and is built around a simple idea, such as believing in yourself or knowing it's fine to have a bad day.

The shop is aimed at parents, grandparents and teachers of children aged roughly three to eight who want a gentle way into conversations about emotions, confidence and kindness. It also runs school resources and author visits, and it says that for every book sold it donates one to a child who needs it. Prices are in pounds and delivery is free on every UK order.

What's worth a look

Here are six picks from the shop, from single books to the bigger bundles.

Sophie Says I Can, I Will is the book that started the series and is about self-belief, while Sophie Says It's Okay Not To Be Okay helps children name harder feelings. There are also titles called Be Proud Of Who You Are and It's Okay To Make Mistakes, each £7.99. For a cheaper add-on, The Sophie Says Activity & Colouring Book is £3.99 and gives children something to do with the characters once the story is finished.

If you'd like more than the books, the Feeling and Affirmation Cards are a screen-free way to talk about the day, and the Mega Bundle puts everything together: four picture books, the activity and colouring book, the cards and a pack of seven wellbeing activity sheets with a certificate.

Current offers

• Free UK delivery on all orders, usually dispatched within one to two business days.
• The Super Bundle is £45, against £50.95 for the items bought separately, a saving of £5.95.
• The Mega Bundle is £59, against £65.95 separately, a saving of £6.95.

Several items, including the bundles, are currently marked as on backorder and will ship when stock comes back in, so check the product page if you're buying for a particular date.

How to save more

• Buy a bundle rather than single books if you want most of the series: the four picture books alone would cost £31.96 at £7.99 each.
• As delivery is free, there's no need to pad out an order; a single £7.99 book costs the same to send as a bundle.
• Unused items can be returned within 30 days, but you need to email first to arrange it, so keep the packaging until you're sure.

Products, prices and offers checked on the store's own website on 23 Oct 2026. Prices and stock can change.

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