The genuinely scary beast is a constant, looming presence but the practicalities of hiding a flammable creature at school bring things right down to earth. The fantasy and reality strands of this funny, heart-warming adventure provide wonderful contrasts. But sometimes everyone needs a little help from their friends. But that's easier said than done when it has a tendency to burst into flames, with chaotic consequences.Ĭharlie must search his soul and overcome his fears if he's to succeed in his mission. To keep the fox cub safe, Charlie must keep him a secret. Then a magical door to another world brings him a Firefox which is under threat from a bad king and a monstrous shape-shifting beast. If he can't do that, how can he be a proper big brother to the new baby his two dads are hoping to adopt? If you want to find out more about the work Empathy Lab do – including the wider collection and Empathy Day – click here.Review Charlie would like to be braver to not be scared by the geese in the park and to have the courage to stand up to the bullies at school. It isn’t a focal point, it just is, which is so important for children to feel accepted, whilst also developing empathy and understanding of differences.

It is also such an important book for representation and diversity, which does so in a way which completely normalises different family units. Lee has written a story that will resonate with so many – with a strong family unit, a journey of self-discovery and the power of friendships, children will find themselves reflected in someway in the characters. Together, they go on an adventure both literally and emotionally, with Charlie realising more about himself that he could have ever learnt without his new friend. He meets Cadno – a Firefox – and finds he can take amazing care of this fantastical creature.

When they tell him they want to adopt another baby, he begins to fill with anxiety at the prospect – how will he be a good big brother?

This is a heart-warming story of Charlie, who lives with his two dads in Wales. However, I did manage to narrow it down to one title…drumroll please…

It was an incredibly tricky choice as there are so many amazing books on the list I’ve enjoyed, and more that I can’t wait to be introduced to. I am fortunate enough to be launching their book blog tour, where each blogger has chosen a title from the collection to showcase to you all. Part of this is their Empathy Collection which, as I’m sure you can agree, is full of incredible titles. On the 8th June 2023 is ‘Empathy Day’, which aims to inspire children to be more emotionally literate through stories and books. The Empathy Lab are on a mission to ensure children are educated in empathy.

The last firefox lee newbery