Welcome to The Adventures of Oscar, Kody and Cleo.
Character-led children's books intentionally designed to support Social Emotional Learning through simple, relatable stories.
Kody and the New Trick is an encouraging picture book about perseverance for toddlers and young children, helping them understand that learning takes time and that effort matters more than getting things right straight away.
SynopsisKody wants to learn a new trick that his friend Oscar can already do with ease. But when Kody tries, it feels much harder than he expected. Each attempt is frustrating, and Kody starts to worry that he might not be good enough.
With support and encouragement from Oscar and calm guidance from Cleo, Kody learns that struggling does not mean failing. By taking breaks, trying again, and not giving up, Kody slowly improves. When he finally masters the trick, he feels proud not just of the result, but of the effort it took to get there.
This story is ideal for children who become frustrated when learning something new, feel upset when things do not come easily, or are tempted to give up when faced with a challenge.
Written for children aged 2-6, the story uses clear language and familiar experiences to help young readers recognise feelings like frustration, self-doubt, and pride. Social-emotional learning is introduced naturally through the characters' experiences, without comparison or pressure.
Supporting Emotional LiteracyBuilding Shared Language Around Feelings
At the back of the book, a simple definition of honesty is included, along with gentle discussion prompts. These help parents, carers, and educators create shared language around truth, trust, and feelings, so children can talk openly about their choices.
By pairing story, definition, and conversation, the book supports children in understanding that mistakes and challenges are part of learning.
What Children Will Learn: - How effort and practice help skills grow
- How to manage frustration when learning feels hard
- How trying again builds confidence and pride
Ideal For: - Families supporting persistence and confidence
- Preschool classrooms and early learning environments
- Shared reading and conversations about effort and growth
The Inner Strength Collection
Three Furry Friends. Five Stories. A Lifetime of Inner Strength.
Kody and the New Trick is part of the Inner Strength Collection, a five-book series intentionally designed to work together to help children grow from the inside. Helping them become caring, resilient little humans, one story at a time.
Each book focuses on one foundational social-emotional value, introduced in a way young children can understand and apply. The collection explores Patience, Courage, Honesty, Perseverance, and Taking Responsibility.
Across all five stories, children follow the same three familiar characters as they face everyday challenges and emotions together. This consistency helps children build trust in the stories, develop shared emotional language, and gradually strengthen their ability to recognise, understand, and manage their feelings.
Together, the Inner Strength Collection provides a connected emotional foundation for children aged 2-6, one story at a time.
Explore the full collection via the series link.
