Barnaby Bright and the Lonely Wobble

A heartwarming picture book that helps children understand loneliness, find courage in unfamiliar places, and discover how one small hello can be the beginning of something wonderful.

A new house.

A new town.

A new playground.

Everything is different.

Barnaby Bright watches the other children running, laughing, and playing together.

They already seem to know each other.

But Barnaby does not know anyone.

And suddenly, something small, quiet, and heavy curls up inside his chest.

Then the Wobble appears.

It is deep teal.

It is quiet.

And somehow, it makes Barnaby feel even more alone.

Barnaby Bright and the Lonely Wobble is a gentle, hopeful story that helps young children understand loneliness and the difficult feelings that can come with moving, starting somewhere new, or finding yourself surrounded by unfamiliar faces.

As Barnaby learns to name what he is feeling, take a slow breath, and find the courage to say one small "hello," children discover that making friends does not have to begin with something big. Sometimes, the smallest step can change an entire day.

Why families will love this book:

• Helps children recognise and understand feelings of loneliness
• Reassures children that feeling alone in a new place is completely normal
• Encourages one small, manageable step toward making new friends
• Builds social confidence, courage, resilience, and emotional awareness
• Opens meaningful conversations about moving, friendship, shyness, and belonging
• Reminds children that friendships often begin with something as simple as "hello"

Perfect for children who are:

• Adjusting to a move, new home, or new town
• Starting a new preschool, school, class, club, or camp
• Feeling lonely or left out in unfamiliar social situations
• Feeling shy or nervous about approaching other children
• Building confidence to take the first small step toward friendship

Ideal for moving families, first days at a new school, new classrooms, camps, playgroups, bedtime reading, family story time, or anytime children need reassurance that being new does not mean being alone forever.

Includes a page of gentle guidance for parents and caregivers on supporting children through loneliness, new social situations, and the sometimes-scary first steps toward making friends.

Product Details

Recommended Age: 3–6 years
Format: Paperback Picture Book
Pages: 32 full-colour pages
Size: 8.5 × 8.5 inches
Language: English
Series: Book Twelve of the Barnaby Bright series

A comforting story that reminds every child that feeling lonely today does not mean feeling lonely forever. Sometimes, a new friendship is waiting just one small hello away.

Help your little one find the courage to connect, make new friends, and discover that they can belong wherever they go. Order your copy today.

Please note: Cover and interior artwork shown are concept illustrations. The final printed edition may differ slightly.