Hebe and the Wriggling Words Picture Book

In this beautifully illustrated children’s book.

Reading isn’t always easy for everyone…

Hebe is struggling — the words won’t stay still, they wriggle and jump all over the page! When Feverfew runs out of patience, Hebe feels disheartened.  But with a little help (and a lot of kindness) from Thymus, she learns that there’s more than one way to read, learn, and shine. 

A gentle, magical story about understanding, patience, and celebrating how every mind works differently — perfect for children who may find reading tricky or who need a little encouragement along the way. While gently showing what this struggle looks like to a reader who doesn’t struggle.

“Hebe and the Wriggling Words” is a gentle, engaging story for children aged 0–6, blending themes of understanding, patience, friendship and inclusion. Perfect for early readers, it supports early literacy and features National Curriculum sight words.

The latest three picture books from Tawny Owl Wood Children’s Books continue our mission of creating inclusive, emotionally rich stories where every child feels represented, heard, and valued. Alongside themes of kindness, diversity, emotional wellbeing, and neurodivergent inclusion, these newest titles also encourage children to connect with the natural world through discovery and learning.

In collaboration with inspiration from woodland wildlife, the books feature animals commonly found within Woodland Trust environments, thoughtfully woven throughout the illustrations and story pages for children to spot, recognise, and learn more about. This interactive element encourages curiosity, observation, and conversations about nature, conservation, and the importance of protecting woodland habitats.

By blending storytelling, representation, and wildlife education, these books create an engaging reading experience that supports emotional connection, inclusivity, and a deeper appreciation of the world around us.