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Ages 2–6

Tap the cover to see it big, plus the full wrap-around artwork.

Picture book · Ages 2–6

Azalea and Her Gentle Giants

A gentle story about friendship, kindness and the beautiful magic of growing up with love.

Buying direct is a little cheaper than Amazon and posted by Mimi. Nothing is charged on the website until Mimi sends a payment link.

  • FormatPaperback
  • Ages2–6
  • ISBN9798267837361
  • ThemesBeing gentle with pets, kindness and family love
  • IllustrationsWritten and illustrated by Mimi Maple
  • StarringAzalea, Bamboo, Lita and Mummy
Being gentle with petsKindness and empathyLearning from mistakesCalm, slow and stillFamily love

The story

Be soft. Be slow. And hold her light.

A sunny morning, two enormous dogs and one very bouncy little girl. Here is what happens when love gets a little too big.

In the softest mornings and the quietest moments, Azalea finds joy in the little things and the love of those who stay by her side.From the back cover
The join-in refrain

Read-aloud uses your device's own voice. Best enjoyed howling along.

Look inside

Turn the pages.

Tap the page to turn it, use the arrows, or press ⤢ to see a page full size.

Jump straight to a page

Pick a favourite moment.

Tap any picture to open it big. Use the arrows or swipe to move between pages.

Meet the friends in this book

Azalea, Bamboo, Lita and Mummy.

Tap a friend to learn their story, their favourite things and one little secret.

Meet everyone in the world of Mimi Maple

Words to remember

Lines to carry with you.

Rhymes from the story that are lovely to say out loud together. Tap “Read aloud” to hear them.

For grown-ups & teachers

Conversation starters

Questions to ask once the last page is turned, whether you are on the sofa, in the nursery or in a classroom circle.

A little tipPick one or two questions rather than all of them, and finish with the chant so everyone gets to join in.

More discussion guides and classroom ideas

    Sit still like Azalea

    So still, so calm, so deep.

    When love gets too big, Mummy tells Azalea to be soft, be slow and hold her light. Can you sit as still as Azalea for one whole minute?

    One-minute calm

    Press the sun, then be as still as Azalea.

    Sit down, let your hands rest, and watch the circle grow. Who can be the calmest?

    Ready when you are.

    Sixty seconds. Tap again if you need to stop early.

    Spot the signs

    Wooden signs hidden in the garden.

    Little affirmations are tucked into the garden pictures. Tick each one as you find it. Your ticks are remembered on this device.

      0 of 3 signs found

      Try this at home

      Little things to do after reading.

      Simple ideas to carry the story off the page, at home, at nursery or in the classroom.

      From the Playroom

      Pick a kindness challenge

      One tiny gentle thing can change somebody's whole day.

      Tap the button for today's challenge.

      More games in the Playroom

      Take Azalea home

      Ready to meet the gentle giants?

      Paperback, ISBN 9798267837361. Buying direct is a little cheaper than Amazon and posted by Mimi; nothing is charged on the website until Mimi sends a payment link. You can also find it locally.