Welcome to my little world of Comforting Books for Children stories that bring calm, inspire kindness and bring families closer.
I'm Penelope Willis - a children's author and gentle story teller who believes in the quiet power of picture books to comfort, connect, and soothe.
Each book I write is designed to support children emotionally, whether they're experiencing big feelings,facing change through transitions such as separation or grief or simply winding down at the end of the day.
With themes like kindness, courage, patience, and emotional connection, these lyrical picture books offer a soft place to land - especially at bedtime.
Inspired by many years of working in early years and my love of sharing stories with little ones, I hope the books you find here bring peace, wonder and gentle reassurance to the children in your world.
Take a moment, explore, and find a story that speaks softly to you.
Titles by Penelope Willis
Discover the beautifully gentle children’s picture books of Penelope Willis - comforting bedtime stories that help children cope with missing someone they love, soothe separation anxiety, and find reassurance in times of change.
Each lyrical story is woven with messages of kindness, courage, and connection, while celebrating the beauty of nature and the sea.
With warm illustrations and tender storytelling, these treasured books spark imagination, create calm, and offer children and their grown-ups that love is never far away.
Oscar and the whispering Cloud
A comforting bedtime picture book — a lullaby-style story to soothe children to sleep with calm seaside imagery and gentle storytelling.
Oscar and the Whispering Cloud is a tender, dreamlike bedtime story designed to help children relax at the end of the day. As Oscar lies quietly by the sea, a soft, whispering cloud drifts towards him, carrying gentle words and calming dreams.
This peaceful tale is the first from the treasured Oscar's Island Adventures series and is written in calming text and paired with serene illustrations, making it perfect for winding down before bed. With each page, children are invited into a tranquil world of kindness, comfort, and the quiet beauty of nature.
This book is ideal for:
Creating a gentle bedtime routine
Soothing anxious or restless sleepers
Encouraging kindness and connection
Sharing a moment of calm at the end of the day
A beautiful gift for families, Oscar and the Whispering Cloud is more than a bedtime story — it’s a lullaby for the heart.
Oscar and the Brave Little Puffin
A comforting seaside adventure picture book celebrating courage, friendship, and protecting wildlife, perfect for young animal and nature lovers.
In Oscar and The Brave Little Puffin, Oscar meets a small puffin who faces a big challenge. Together, they discover the power of friendship, courage, and kindness.
Filled with charming illustrations and a gentle environmental message, this charming story from the much-loved Oscar's Island Adventures series celebrates bravery, connections and the importance of protecting our coastal creatures.
Ideal for ages 3–7, it’s a perfect read for little explorers and animal lovers.
Oscar and the Shell of Wonder
A comforting magical seaside adventure for children about kindness, curiosity, and caring for the ocean, filled with charm and gentle discovery.
Set on the island of Jersey, this magical title from the popular Oscar's Island Adventures series, is an awe- inspiring story, sure to captivate little readers.
When Oscar finds a mysterious shell on the beach, he’s swept into an adventure that teaches him the value of kindness, curiosity, and protecting the sea.
Oscar and the Shell of Wonder is a delightful story for children who enjoy magical seaside adventures, inspiring care for nature, thinking of others and appreciation of small wonders.
Lottie and the Hotel by the Sea
A picture book set in the real Royal Hotel, Whitby — a gentle seaside holiday story celebrating curiosity, imagination, and mindful observation.
During her holiday by the sea, Lottie delights in observing the world around her — the shifting waves, the seagulls overhead, and the charming details of the old hotel.
With a thoughtful nature and a vivid imagination, she finds wonder in everyday moments, reminding readers that joy can be found in simply slowing down and paying attention.
Beautifully illustrated and filled with seaside charm, Lottie and the Hotel by the Sea is a perfect read for children who love to explore, imagine, and discover beauty in the ordinary.
Ideal for bedtime or quiet moments, this story encourages mindfulness, creativity, and an appreciation for the world’s small wonders.
Whenever You Miss me, Look for the Moon
Comforting bedtime story for children missing someone they love.
Bedtime can feel overwhelming for little ones — especially when they miss a parent, grandparent, or someone special. Whenever You Miss Me, Look for the Moon is a gentle and reassuring children’s picture book that helps ease separation anxiety, calm bedtime tears, and bring comfort at night.
This soothing story introduces a simple ritual that children can remember forever: “If you miss me, look for the moon, know I’m looking too, and I’m never far away.” With tender words and calming illustrations, it reassures children that love is unbreakable, no matter the distance.
Perfect for:
Children coping with separation anxiety at bedtime
Families who live apart, work away, or travel
Grandparents and caregivers who want to offer reassurance
Bedtime routines that help children feel safe, loved, and connected
This comforting bedtime story is ideal for toddlers, pre-schoolers, and early readers who need reassurance at night. A beautiful gift for families navigating change, loss, or distance, it’s also a wonderful read-aloud for teachers and nurseries.
Whenever You Miss me at Christmas, look for the Moon
Out Now!
A heart-warming Christmas picture book by Penelope Willis
Christmas can feel extra hard when we’re missing someone special — but love has a way of shining through, even across the miles. Whenever You Miss Me at Christmas, Look for the Moon is a tender, magical story that helps children feel connected, comforted, and calm during the festive season.
Join Mouse and Squirrel as they celebrate Christmas beneath the same glowing moon, discovering that love can stretch as far as the night sky. With soft, lyrical words and beautifully festive illustrations, this gentle picture book reminds little ones that even when families can’t all be together, the bond between them is never broken.
Perfect for:
Christmas bedtime stories for children ages 2–6
Families navigating separation, distance, or loss during the holidays
Parents, grandparents, and carers looking for soothing, emotional Christmas books for kids
A thoughtful Christmas gift book that comforts and reassures as well as delights
Written with warmth by Penelope Willis, author of Whenever You Miss Me, Look for the Moon, this seasonal companion brings the same message of enduring love, wrapped in festive sparkle.
✨ Themes: love that lasts across distance, emotional reassurance, the magic of Christmas, bedtime calm, family connection.
This is more than a story — it’s a hug in book form, perfect for cosy nights by the Christmas tree.
Elani and the Sea of Light
A comforting children’s adventure picture book about courage, kindness, and protecting the ocean, with magical companions and a heartfelt message.
When Elani meets her turtle friend, she embarks on a journey that will test her courage. Along the way, she is joined by loyal companions who share in her quest and help her face the challenges ahead.
Through moments of wonder and bravery, Elani learns the importance of protecting the natural world and following her heart, no matter how uncertain the path may be.
Filled with evocative illustrations and a gentle environmental message, Elani and the Sea of Light is perfect for:
Inspiring courage in young readers
Encouraging kindness and empathy
Nurturing a love for the ocean and its creatures
Encouraging care for nature and living things
An uplifting and memorable story for bedtime or quiet moments, this book reminds children that even the smallest acts of care can have a big impact.
Oscar and the Star of Christmas Kindness
A heart-warming and beautifully illustrated Christmas story about kindness, friendship, and the quiet magic that glows when we care for others.
Set on the Island of Jersey, Oscar and the Star of Christmas Kindness follows little Oscar and his loyal dog Toby on a gentle festive adventure filled with wonder, hope, and the true spirit of giving.
This enchanting new title from the much-loved Oscar's Island Adventures series is perfect for bedtime or story time in the run-up to Christmas. With soothing themes of love and generosity, and soft, atmospheric illustrations, it's a comforting picture book to treasure year after year.
A magical Christmas book for children aged 2-6 - ideal for families seeking calming, meaningful stories that celebrate empathy, connection, and the joy of simple kindness.
My books are available worldwide through Amazon and all good bookshops online. They can be ordered by schools, libraries, and bookshops via usual suppliers. Retailers or nurseries are warmly welcome to get in touch for direct enquiries. Review copies are also available on request.
Did you know you can now buy my Children's books directly from me?
On my Bookstore page you'll find the same heart-warming stories, plus the opportunity to order signed copies, which can also be personalised to make a keepsake copy.
When you buy direct from the author, you're supporting independent storytelling and helping these comforting stories reach more families.
Visit the Bookstore page to find the perfect gift, for bedtime, Christmas, birthdays or just a moment of comfort.