Tomanji and the Hardest Word

What's the hardest word in the world? For Tomanji, it's "please."

Tomanji wants a little star-lantern to hang by his door - but it costs more seeds than he has. He has a clever, no-risk plan to earn them: bring in his neighbors' firewood and washing before the evening rain, for one seed a house. There's just one problem. To earn a single seed, he has to do the scariest thing of all... he has to ask.

When the very first neighbor says "no," Tomanji nearly gives up - until wise old Winnie asks him a question that changes everything: "And what did that 'no' cost you?" A warm, encouraging story that shows children a "no" takes nothing from you, isn't about your worth, and is only ever the word before "yes."

• A cosy, confidence-building story for ages 3-7
• Gently teaches courage, initiative, and shaking off rejection - a lifelong superpower - through story, never a lecture
• A gift for every child who'll ever raise their hand, try out, or ask for what they want
• Includes a Note for Grown-Ups, talking points, and a free "Brave Ask" activity
• Book 9 of the Woodland Cents series

"The bravest aren't the ones who never hear 'no.' They're the ones who ask anyway - and keep on asking."