Pausing first
Encourages children to slow down and think before rushing into a new situation.
The Adventures of Esme & Bailey
A Friendly Hello
A gentle picture book about meeting someone new, pausing to think, and checking with trusted adults first.
Ages 3–6
Picture Book
Everyday Safety
In A Friendly Hello, Esme and Bailey are playing in the park with their parents close by when a stranger with a dog approaches. Esme wants to say hello straight away, but Bailey pauses and thinks it would be better to ask their parents first.
This warm, reassuring story helps young children understand that being friendly is lovely, but checking with a trusted adult comes first. Once Mum and Dad say it is okay, everyone says hello and the moment feels calm, safe, and secure.
A Simple Everyday Lesson
A story that helps children pause before saying hello
A Friendly Hello supports calm conversations about meeting someone new, noticing what feels safe, and asking a trusted adult before acting. It is designed to feel warm, familiar, and easy to talk about together.
What This Book Supports
Helpful themes for early years reading
Clear, simple ideas that fit naturally into shared reading and gentle discussion.
Trusted adults
Reinforces the idea that parents and carers can help decide what feels safe.
Friendly boundaries
Shows that kindness and caution can go together in everyday moments.
Shared discussion
Creates an easy starting point for parents, carers, and teachers.
Inside the Book
A closer look at A Friendly Hello
The story is illustrated in soft, warm colours designed to feel calm and reassuring for young readers. Gentle park scenes help children focus on familiar surroundings, making it easier to talk together about pausing, checking with parents, and feeling safe while meeting someone new.
What this book encourages
Gentle themes children can explore
Simple ideas that help children notice what is happening around them, ask for guidance, and feel secure in everyday social moments.
Ideal Age Range
Best suited to ages 3 to 6
This story is designed for young children, especially for shared reading at home, in nurseries, or in early years settings.
The language is calm and accessible, making it a good fit for gentle discussion after reading.
For Parents & Carers
Why adults may find this book useful
A Friendly Hello offers a simple way to talk about friendly behaviour, boundaries, and checking with trusted adults without making the subject feel frightening. The story stays warm and child-friendly while reinforcing a lesson that matters in real life.
It works especially well for children who benefit from familiar settings, repetition, and stories connected to everyday moments they may already recognise.
Reading Together
Questions you could ask after reading
Helps parents turn reading into real conversations that build confidence and understanding
- What did Bailey do before saying hello?
- Why was it a good idea to check with Mum and Dad first?
- Who can we ask if we are unsure whether something feels safe?
- How can we be friendly and careful at the same time?
Bring these conversations to life through the full story
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Free Esme & Bailey Activity Packs
Fun printable activities to keep little ones busy at home or on the go.
More packs on the way ...
Fun printable activities to keep little ones busy at home or on the go.
More packs on the way ...
Fun printable activities to keep little ones busy at home or on the go.
More packs on the way ...
Fun printable activities to keep little ones busy at home or on the go.
More Adventures
Discover more Esme & Bailey books
Explore the rest of the series for more warm, thoughtful stories based on familiar childhood moments.
See all books