The Dizzy Waggle Who Lit the Dark introduces young readers to Zozo — a Dizzy Waggle born with a glowing heart so bright it lights up the night like glistening stardust!

But when Zozo realises a glowing heart also comes with big feelings, the loveable book character decides to cover the light completely to blend in.

It takes a big storm, the power of empathy, and gentle self-realisation for Zozo to understand life really is more fun when you show up whole.

With tools for emotional regulation weaved through the plot, as well as practical exercises at the back of the book, The Dizzy Waggle Who Lit the Dark is ideal for children who are sensitive-hearted, neurodivergent, or full of deep curiosity and wonder.

This sensitively told tale about death takes young readers through a journey of friendship, loss, grief and everlasting love.

It begins when Brite the Dizzy Waggle makes friends with a tūī bird named Thea, who can often be heard singing from a blossoming pōhutukawa tree.

But when the tūī suddenly stops singing one day, Brite learns Thea is unwell. Between the friends, a gentle but insightful conversation unfolds — unravelling the concept of death in a way that’s understandable, nurturing and empowering for little minds and hearts.

Thanks to the wise tūī and a brave, open-hearted Brite, readers learn tips for managing their grief and are guided to look for signs of their loved ones in nature.

Inspired by a true story, Thea and the Dizzy Waggle replaces the fear and uncertainty of death with warmth, love and hope.

Lulu the Dizzy Waggle is feeling wronged. A little disgruntled — and rightfully. She has been picked on by the mean, matted Forest Troll, who lurks in bushes throwing stones and wreaking havoc.

On the outside, the Forest Troll acts like he enjoys being known for his unkind, naughty antics.

But when something happens that makes the Forest Troll toss and turn at night thinking about his own memories of being bullied, young readers learn an important lesson — sometimes others’ behaviour reflects how they feel inside.

When clever Dizzy Waggle Zozo (from our first book) swoops in to teach the characters about forgiveness and self-love, a surprising friendship blossoms.

Teaching children about the power of words and how good it feels to be kind, Lulu and the Forest Troll is a must-read for any child.

Cloe Willetts is a former award-winning journalist, a children’s creative and life writing teacher, and founder of EQ Storytelling – a creative studio based in Wellington, Aotearoa. 

EQ Storytelling specialises in producing emotional literacy content and educational resources and is publisher of Dizzy Waggle Books. 

Email: cloe@eqstorytelling.com

Dutch born illustrator Fabienne Joni Sopacua is a multidisciplinary artist and founder of FJS-Art. 

She was named a finalist for the People's Choice Award 2021 at the esteemed New Zealand Art Show in Wellington, Aotearoa. 

Fabienne is also a qualified tattoo artist and works from her studio-gallery space Studio-FJS on the Kāpiti Coast.

Email: Fjsopacua@gmail.com