Little Steps, Big Changes Relationships & Life Changes
Little Steps, Big Changes
Gentle stories for big feelings, new experiences and life’s changes.
Little Steps, Big Changes is a growing collection of social narratives created to help children understand emotions, relationships, everyday challenges and significant changes in their lives.
Each book uses clear, reassuring and age-appropriate language to explain what may happen, how an experience might feel and the different ways a child can communicate their needs or seek support. Engaging illustrations and predictable page-by-page guidance make the narratives accessible to children with a wide range of communication, developmental and sensory needs—including children who are verbal, non-verbal or use alternative communication methods.
The collection explores topics such as:
Recognising and communicating emotions
Starting school, childcare and other new experiences
Visiting doctors, dentists and hospitals
Friendship, family changes and welcoming a new baby
Grief, separation and saying goodbye
Waiting, making mistakes and managing disappointment
Sensory overload, regulation and self-advocacy
Asking for help, taking breaks and developing calming strategies
Personalised planning pages allow families, educators and professionals to add information about the child’s experiences, routines, body clues, communication preferences, comfort items and trusted support people.
The collection grew from the social narratives Wendy Buchanan originally created for her own children to help them understand events, emotions and major life changes. Drawing upon her experience as an educator, support worker and parent, Wendy has expanded these resources to support other children and the adults who care for them.
Ideal for use at home, in classrooms, childcare services, therapy settings, healthcare environments and disability-support programs, Little Steps, Big Changes encourages understanding, predictability, emotional awareness and self-advocacy—one gentle step at a time.
Written and created by Wendy Buchanan.
