Damson’s Friendship Wish

“This is such a beautifully written and illustrated story about a little deer who wants to fit in, tries to change himself to be liked, and learns that being different isn’t something to fix, it’s something to embrace. What made this story special is how gently it handles big feelings, like not fitting in, feeling different, learning to accept yourself, and finding genuine friends. For us, it led to a lovely conversation with our daughter about how chosen family doesn’t have to look like you (Damson’s new ‘family’ is different to him), as we’re a mixed-race family.
The story deals with topics like inclusion and self-worth with so much care and warmth that honestly, I think that everyone would benefit from its beautiful message, regardless of their age.”

Tiana – Parent (Goodreads)

“This is my son’s favourite book. It’s about a deer (Damson) who is clumsy, awkward and looks different. He doesn’t think he fits in, so he goes to find friends where he belongs. Even though he believes he needs to be the same as everyone else, the ending sees him being accepted by others who couldn’t be more opposite than him, who only see his kindness. Every so often, a book is more than just another story. It helps you become a better person. This is one of those. Whether your child feels or behaves differently, doesn’t fit in, or you just want to bring up your kids to be kind and accepting, this book is worth having.”

Sal (Waterstones)

“As a mum, I’m always on the lookout for books that are kind, but still have meaning. This one completely delivered. My 6-year-old daughter loved it. We talked afterwards about how people are all different and that’s okay. She even opened up about something that had happened at school, which I don’t think she would’ve mentioned otherwise. The illustrations are gorgeous, and there’s a warmth to the way it’s written that makes it feel really reassuring. The ending says what every parent would want their child to hear, and I’m grateful to have found a book that teaches kids such a positive message. Honestly, this story is just lovely in every way. Would absolutely recommend.”

Sarah Hove – Parent (Waterstones)

“While Damson’s Friendship Wish is a children’s book, its message really struck a chord with me on a much deeper level. Damson’s journey reminded me of my own experience growing up feeling like I needed to fit into certain boxes or meet expectations that never quite felt right. For years I searched externally for acceptance and happiness, not realising that the key was embracing my own uniqueness all along and looking inwards.

There is often an unspoken pressure to prove your worth through outward experiences like being in a relationship, having a “successful” job or constantly showing strength and inspiration. For someone with a disability, those pressures can feel even greater. I often felt like I was being measured against different standards or that I had to work twice as hard to be seen as equal. There was an added challenge in trying to fit in while also navigating expectations that I should always be positive and “inspirational.” This left little room for sharing the real struggles and complexities of life.

In today’s fast-paced world, especially with social media pushing a perfect image of what you should be like, it is more important than ever for children to learn early that they are enough just as they are. This story offers a gentle and powerful way to start that conversation, encouraging kindness, self-acceptance and celebrating differences.  Without sharing too much of the story itself, I can say this book is a beautiful reminder that being yourself is one of the bravest and most important things you can do. I hope many children find confidence and comfort in its message, helping them build resilience and positive mental health from the start. If you care about mental wellbeing, inclusion or helping young people grow into their best selves, this is a story worth knowing about.”

Isaac Harvey MBE – Disability Advocate, London

“What a lovely story to share with your child. Its theme is kindness, but Damson the deer and his friends are by no means perfect. They have to go on a journey together to learn what inclusion looks and feels like. Along the way, there are amusing blunders, and opportunities for children of all ages to shout things like ‘GRUNT’ and ‘CRACK’! In a refreshing departure from traditional fairy tales, the happy ending comes not from an enchanted transformation but from the even more magical growth of friendship based on just being who you are.”

Cllr Kay Wesley – Congleton Town Mayor (2024-25), Cheshire

“Just read this with my daughter and I’ve got to say, it’s a lovely book. Damson is a sweet character and the story really gets across how important it is to be kind and be yourself. The pictures are full of cute animals, which kept her interested throughout. It’s the sort of story that makes you smile and gives you something to chat about afterwards – like how to be a good friend, and how it’s important to be yourself. The ending hit me quite deeply, even as a dad, remembering how I struggled to fit in as a kid (wish someone had told me this message back then tbh). Think this should be on every kid’s bookshelf to reassure them that they are enough. Well worth a read.”

Mark – Parent (Goodreads)

“My daughter and I really enjoyed this beautiful book. It’s about a sweet deer who wants to fit in, so he copies others. It’s sweet, funny, and my daughter loved it. She had a lot of questions afterwards, which got her really curious about differences and being kind to others. I love how in the end, the little deer (Damson) is just himself… and that’s enough. It’s the sort of book I think we all wish we’d had growing up. The lovely illustrations and gentle humour kept my daughter smiling throughout. It’s a touching, timeless, and lovely read that reminds not just kids, but adults too, about the power of kindness, friendship, and that it’s okay to be ourselves. This will definitely be a bedtime favourite.”

Susan Bradbury – Parent (Waterstones)

“I read Damson’s Friendship Wish with my 7-year-old granddaughter, and we both absolutely loved it. It’s a lovely story, with emotional intelligence you don’t find in many books these days. The little deer Damson is clumsy, awkward and a bit unsure of himself, but full of heart. There’s no big villain, just the deer trying his best and getting it wrong. I think the message is a really important one. It tells children they don’t need to copy others to be liked, and that kindness and being yourself matter most. As someone now in my late 60s this bit of wisdom is essential for all kids to learn. I’ve read many books to my grandchildren over the years, but this one, from the beautiful artwork to the emotive writing, felt extra special.”

Julia – Grandparent (Goodreads)

“I bought this book for my great-grandson’s 6th birthday, and from start to finish, it made us smile. The story and pictures have a warmth that’s hard to find nowadays. I loved it so much, I bought a copy for myself. At 92, that might seem unusual, but when I need a boost, I sit with a cup of tea and read it, and it never fails to make me smile. Even at my age, this story reminds me that I matter and that the kindness I try to give others makes a difference. I’ve read many books in 92 years, but this one is truly special.”

Doreen Lewis – Grandparent (Waterstones)

“As a childminder, I look after a lot of different kids from different backgrounds, and this book went down brilliantly with all of them. It’s sweet and easy to follow, and the kids loved Damson. The little deer (Damson) just wants to make friends and tries his best, but it goes wrong, before he realises he was enough all along. We’ve had some brilliant chats after reading it like why the animals ran away, what Damson could have done differently, and how we can be kind to people who feel left out. It’s such a relief to find a book that doesn’t rely on bullying to talk about difference. It’s a story about kindness, inclusion, courage, friendship, and learning that it’s okay to be yourself. Every time we finish reading it, the kids want to talk about times when they felt lonely, and seem to be kinder to each other, which I think says it all. Overall, it’s beautifully written and illustrated and all kids would benefit from its meaningful message. I’ll be using it a lot in my work and highly recommend it.”

Flo – Childminder (Barnes & Noble)

“Damson’s Friendship Wish is one of the most lovely children’s books I’ve shared with my 8 and 6-year-old. It’s a fun story, with an important message and a great tool to build children’s self-confidence. Damson finds it hard to know how to make friends but finally realises that being himself is what matters. The illustrations are gorgeous, lots to look at and full of sweet animals. My kids thought Damson digging up the acorns was hilarious! We also downloaded the colouring and activity sheets from the website, which they really enjoyed, and they’re now proudly stuck on our fridge. At 3-5 I think kids would love the fun parts of the story and the illustrations, for 6-8 they’d start to reflect on the deeper meanings behind it. So I think it’s suitable for a wide age range because the story will reveal more to kids as their emotional development grows. Overall, it’s a beautiful story about kindness, friendship, acceptance and inclusion, which I think everyone will take something different and meaningful from. It’s written with compassion and feels like the author genuinely cares about building up children’s self-esteem. My kids loved every single page… and honestly, so did I”

Lizzie – Parent (Amazon)

“I was looking for a new book to read to my kids, and my son’s teacher recommended this. The beautiful artwork reminded me of some of my favourite books I read growing up. It’s a wonderful story about a cute little deer called Damson who’s got wonky antlers and just wants to make some friends. He tries copying other animals and gets himself into all sorts of trouble because he ultimately just wants to fit in. Something we have all felt at some point in our lives. Damson soon discovers he is enough just by being himself which is something I wish I had learnt at a much younger age. The story is beautifully written with a lot of scope for conversations about feeling different, being kind, and being yourself, and also encourages kids to be friends with others that don’t look like them (Damson’s friends end up being a rabbit, squirrel etc). It’s already my kids favourite book. This book’s message gives kids the reassurance I think every adult wants to give them, but in a really relatable way. My 4 and 6-year-old are already arguing over whose bedroom shelf it will live on.”

Charlie – Parent (Amazon)

“A fantastic story with a positive message and beautiful illustrations. I bought this to read to my Grandsons, they absolutely loved it. I think it will become a long term favourite.”

Joy – Grandparent (Amazon)

“Damson’s Friendship Wish is a heartwarming story about a young deer learning the importance of self-acceptance and kindness. I love how the author’s message is that we don’t have to change who we are to be loved, and our differences make us unique and beautiful. There are also some great free downloadable activities with the book, including coloring pages, worksheets on counting and missing letters, a word search, and even ideas for discussions afterwards. Damson’s Friendship Wish promotes meaningful conversations about empathy, acceptance, and being oneself. The book is a #1 bestseller and I highly recommend it for all children and adults who need a reminder that they are enough as they are. I LOVE the book”

Cindy Smith – Grandparent (Barnes & Noble)

“I got to read this book with my nephews. It’s got to be one of the most touching, sweet stories I’ve read about being yourself, even if you feel awkward, and making friends. I’m not normally a softie, but this book gave me all the feels. It’s lovely :)”

Jen (Goodreads)

“This is empathetic and beautiful. I bought this beautiful and heart-warming children’s book for my granddaughter. Even though she’s a little young to grasp the full meaning of this emotionally powerful book, she enjoyed following along and was captivated by the magnificent illustrations. It is a real GEM!!!”

Loraine Henry – Grandparent (Amazon)