School Readiness & Social-Emotional Intelligence
Did you know that a child’s emotional intelligence (EQ) is one of the greatest predictors of their future success and well-being? Our EQ by Eight book bundle is specifically curated for mums who want to proactively build their child’s social and emotional 'muscles' during the critical development years before age eight.
This 3-book set dives deep into the complex landscapes of the mind, covering essential Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) themes like perspective-taking, resilience, and the power of positive thinking. Through 'Space Odyssey', 'The Gift', and 'Inner Worlds', your child will explore high-level concepts like the 'Overview Effect' and cognitive reframing in a way that is engaging, accessible, and screen-free.
Prepare them not just for school, but for life, by giving them the 'seeds of wisdom' they need to navigate a complex world with confidence and self-awareness.
Bonus: Aligned with the Australian Curriculum, this bundle supports Literacy, Personal and Social Capability, and Mental Wellbeing.
"Your books are incredible. As a previous prep teacher the message resonates very strongly." — Debra H. (School Principal) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Book-by-Book Overview
Book 3: Space Odyssey - A tale about belonging set in the stars
- The Story: Willow feels alone one day and wonders why he is different from others. He sets off to search for other creatures like him but only sees differences everywhere. As he is about to give up, he gets beamed up into space by cosmic starlight! Willow travels through space, taking in the beauty, strength and fragility of the Earth. A profound wisdom soon dawns upon him—the wisdom of astronauts known as the Overview Effect.
- The Wisdom: Willow finally understands the common bond we all share - it even makes him feel at peace with being a little different. A perfect resource for STEM-based SEL, teaching children about the interconnectedness of life through the lens of astronomy.
- Educational Goal: STEM (Astronomy), Science-Literacy, and Vocabulary.
Book 4: The Gift - A moving story that teaches resilience
- The Story: Willow finds himself lost among the high mountain peaks. As the mist clears, a mysterious Fox appears to guide him through steep trails, windy passes, and frightening cliffs. As fear takes hold, Fox shares a profound gift: The wisdom that all things come to pass. But will this knowledge be enough to help Willow find his courage?
- The Wisdom: Willow learns to navigate the ebbs and flows of life—from overcoming challenges to the bittersweet moment of letting go of a friend. It is a story about grit, the transient nature of time, and finding the strength to keep going.
- Educational Goal: Figurative Language (Similes & Metaphors) and Grit.
Book 5: Inner Worlds - A surrealist tale about the power of positive thought
- The Story: Willow the Wonderer wakes up to find a menacing grey cloud hovering over his head (a metaphorical reference to repetitive negative thoughts). He tries to outrun it, ignore it, and hide from it, only to find it growing larger. By evening, Willow gathers his courage to peek inside the cloud. What follows is a surreal journey into the mechanics of the mind.
- The Wisdom: Willow discovers that while we cannot always control what happens to us in life, we can choose which thoughts and emotions we dwell upon. He learns the circuit breaker for negativity and find the antidote in loving-kindness.
- Educational Goal: Metacognition, Cognitive Reframing, and Mental Wellbeing.
Customer reviews:
"The stories are beautiful and offer a curious view of the world while addressing the ever present emotional issue facing children and adults alike, such as what makes me happy." — Deborah C. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A note from the author and illustrator:
"Willow the Wonderer started as a shared dream to write stories that plant seeds of wisdom in young minds; seeds that hopefully blossom with time and guide our young readers in their journey through life. We also wanted the books to make early childhood learning effortless. But mostly we wanted to create beautiful stories that the little ones (and big ones) simply fall in love with. These are stories we wish we'd grown up with."
- Reeta and Darren
EQ by Eight Bundle: Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Book Set
Feature
Details
Title
Willow the Wonderer: Space Odyssey
Willow the Wonderer: The Gift
Willow the Wonderer: Inner WorldsFormat
Paperback, lightweight, portable and affordable
Contents
3 x Paperback Books
Age Range
3 – 8 years (Preschool to Early Primary)
Genre
Rhyming Picture Books, Contemporary Classic, Philosophical Fiction for Kids
Key Themes
Emotional Intelligence, Growth Mindset, Positive Psychology, Metacognition, Cognitive Reframing, Character Education, Self Regulation Strategies, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Mind Training, Meditation, Interconnectedness, Resilience, Secular Wisdom
Educational Focus
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), Early Literacy, Phonological Awareness, Visual Literacy, Advanced Vocabulary Development, Figurative Language, Introductory Astronomy, Colour Theory, Numeracy Foundation
Sustainability
Printed on FSC-certified paper (Forest Stewardship Council)
Dimensions
Paperback Book: 279mm x 207mm x 4mm (Portrait)
Weight
Box Set: 0.5 kg
ISBN
9781763584310
9780645083378
9781763584372
Creators
Reeta Dhar (Author) & Darren Pryce (Illustrator)
Origin
Proudly Australian
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