December Reading Nook, Books for your service

2 Dec 2025
December Reading Nook, Books for your service Image

When the world feels a little too big for a young child, the deepest comfort often comes from a trusted friend – a favourite blanket, a beloved teddy, or in this story, a soft and steady bear named Bindi.

“I Am Safe” offers exactly that: a tender, mindful exploration of what it truly means for children to feel safe, grounded and supported from the inside out.

  • Title: “I am Safe: Luna and Bindi the Bear Find Their Roots”
  • Written: Abigail Henry
  • Age Group: 3+ years
  • Links to EYLF / MTOP
    • Principles: Secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships
    • Practices: Holistic, integrated and interconnected approaches
    • Outcomes: Children have a strong sense of identity (Outcome 1) and wellbeing (Outcome 3)

 The Story & Its Quiet Magic

In this heartwarming picture book for children aged 3 – 7, Luna turns to her cuddly bear, Bindi, whenever life feels overwhelming.

One magical morning, Bindi comes to life, guiding Luna on a gentle journey through her body, mind, and heart to discover where safety really begins.

The narrative blends sensory awareness with nurturing illustrations, inviting young readers to explore their emotions and physical cues in a way that feels playful, comforting and empowering.

Abigail Henry uses this imaginative framework to help children recognise how their bodies, breath, and relationships can anchor them when the world feels big.

Why It Resonates in an ECEC Setting

The story aligns seamlessly with key Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) principles, practices and outcomes, making it a powerful resource for educators.

EYLF Principle:

Secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships/p>

Luna and Bindi’s bond models emotional safety and co-regulation. As Luna leans into Bindi’s support, children are gently invited into a space where they, too, feel seen, known, and held.
EYLF Practice:

Holistic, integrated and interconnected approaches

The story takes a whole-child view – linking physical sensations, emotional states, and relational support in one cohesive journey. This mirrors how young children understand wellbeing through their entire body–mind–spirit system.
EYLF Outcome 1:

Children have a strong sense of identity

By showing children that safety can be felt within themselves and within caring relationships, the book reinforces an inner narrative of strength and belonging: “I am safe. I am strong. I belong.”
EYLF Outcome 2:

Children are connected with and contribute to their world

Through Luna and Bindi’s relationship, children see how connection, empathy and support help us feel grounded. The story encourages children to recognise the people and environments that help them feel safe, nurturing a sense of belonging within their wider world.
EYLF Outcome 3:

Children have a strong sense of wellbeing

As Luna learns to listen to her body, breathe, and find her roots, children are guided to explore their own physical and emotional cues. This strengthens self-regulation, resilience and a deeper understanding of what calm and wellbeing feel like.
EYLF Outcome 4:

Children are confident and involved learners

Luna’s gentle exploration model invites children to notice, reflect and stay curious about their inner experiences. Engaging with the story’s body-based and sensory elements helps children build confidence, focus and meaningful involvement in their own learning.
EYLF Outcome 5:

Children are effective communicators

The story gives children language for expressing their feelings and body sensations, supporting both verbal and non-verbal communication. As they share what “safe” feels like, children strengthen emotional vocabulary, self-expression and shared understanding with others.

Ideas for Bringing the Story to Life in Your Service

  • After the story, invite children to share a moment when they felt safe and who or what helped them feel that way.
  • Guide a simple “body scan,” following Luna’s journey – starting at the toes and travelling upward, noticing what “safe” feels like.
  • Encourage children to draw their “safe place,” reflecting on the people, feelings, or objects that support them.
  • Create a cosy “Bindi Bear Corner” where children can go for calm, connection, or a moment of grounding.

A Story That Becomes a Guide

I Am Safe is more than a picture book – it’s an emotional anchor for little ones learning to understand their inner world. Through warm storytelling, movement, breath and sensory awareness, it teaches children that safety is not just the absence of fear but a felt sense of: “I belong. I am held. I am home in myself.”

Whether shared in classrooms, therapy settings, ECEC services, or snuggled up at bedtime, this story offers educators, parents, and caregivers a nurturing framework for supporting children’s identity, emotional regulation, and holistic wellbeing – helping them build the steady inner foundation they need to grow, explore, and shine.

With thanks to Abigail Henry for her time and support in reviewing this article.

 

Explore more book recommendations
Share to [addtoany]
Share link

You may also be interested