Littlelene

The Dark Forest is full of fairies, each with a special job.

Littlelene is different: her hair is the colour of morning sunshine, her laughter brings sunbeams through the canopy, and her heart is full of gold. Littlelene has Down syndrome, so some things take extra practice - but she knows she can do hard things.

When a rude, important-sounding worm mocks her and then freezes with fear above the river, Littlelene must decide whether to help him. With courage and patience, she guides Wolhuter Worm safely across in a luminous story about empathy, perseverance and kindness.

Key themes: Perseverance and practising hard things Kindness, empathy and forgiveness Speaking up when someone is rude Courage in the face of fear Inclusive representation of a child/fairy with Down syndrome Friendship, humour and magical nature.

Author Riana Scheepers

Illustrator Elsabé Ebersöhn