Water awareness
Introduces the idea that canals and open water need extra care and caution.
The Adventures of Esme & Bailey
The Floating Toy
A gentle picture book about staying calm, asking for help, and staying safe near water.
Ages 3–6
Picture Book
Water Safety
In The Floating Toy, Esme and Bailey are walking beside the canal when Bailey accidentally drops his bone toy into the water.
Bailey wants to get it back himself, but Esme stays calm and goes to their mum for help. With thoughtful guidance and the assistance of a passing boat, the situation is handled safely. In the end, Bailey gets his toy back without anyone needing to take a risk.
A Simple Everyday Lesson
A story that helps children stay calm near water
The Floating Toy supports gentle conversation about water safety, calm thinking, and asking a trusted adult for help. It shows children that even when something important is lost, staying safe matters more than rushing in after it.
What This Book Supports
Helpful themes for early years reading
Clear, simple ideas that fit naturally into shared reading and gentle discussion.
Calm thinking
Encourages children to pause instead of reacting straight away.
Asking for help
Reinforces that trusted adults are there to handle difficult situations safely.
Safe problem-solving
Shows that problems can often be solved without anyone taking unnecessary risks.
Inside the Book
A closer look at The Floating Toy
The story is illustrated in soft, warm colours that keep the mood reassuring while still helping children understand that water needs careful behaviour. Familiar scenes, gentle expressions, and calm problem-solving help the lesson feel safe, clear, and easy to talk about together.
What this book encourages
Gentle themes children can explore
Simple ideas that help children stay calm, look for help, and make thoughtful choices near water.
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 stays calm and simple, making it a good fit for gentle conversations about safety near canals, rivers, ponds, and other open water.
For Parents & Carers
Why adults may find this book useful
The Floating Toy offers a practical way to talk about water safety without making the subject feel frightening. The story keeps the tone warm and child-friendly while reinforcing an important message: children should not try to solve risky situations on their own.
It works well for children who benefit from repetition, familiar routines, and stories rooted in everyday moments they may really experience.
The Heart of the Story
Sometimes the safest choice is to ask for help
When Bailey sees his toy floating away, he wants to act straight away and get it back himself. Esme helps steady the moment by staying calm and going to their mum instead.
With a trusted adult taking the lead, the problem is solved safely and thoughtfully. In the end, Bailey still gets his toy back, but without anyone needing to lean in, reach in, or take a chance near the water.
Reading Together
Questions you could ask after reading
Helps parents turn reading into real conversations that build confidence and understanding
- What did Bailey want to do when his toy fell into the water?
- Why was it better to ask Mum for help?
- What should we do if something falls into a water or pond?
- Who are the trusted adults we can go to when something feels risky?
Bring these conversations to life through the full story
View on AmazonBonus
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