The Should Sorter: A Magical Tale of Letting Go, Being Brave, and Becoming YOU!
"When your mind gets all tangled with too many thoughts, the best thing to do is shake loose the knots!"
Billy’s mind is buzzing—filled with all sorts of tangled-up thoughts about what he "should" do. Should he chase after soccer balls even though he'd rather pass? Should he comb his hair neatly because someone else says he should? Should he eat "normal" lunches, even though he loves his bug-friendly snacks?
One magical day, with a twirl and a whirl, Billy and his sister, Mary (aka Bear) dive headfirst into an adventure to clear Billy's cluttered mind. With giggles and jiggles, hops and shakes, Bear helps Billy unpack a messy heap of confusing "shoulds."
A soccer ball he doesn't want to chase?
Crayons, cups, and clowns that make no sense?
A comb that has no business being near his hair?
Together, they sift through the pile, sorting through expectations, worries, and pressures—one hilarious and heartwarming moment at a time. Billy discovers the magical power of keeping only the "shoulds" that truly reflect his own heart, dreams, and quirks.
From overwhelmed to inspired, join Billy as he learns to:
- Let go of expectations that aren't truly his
- Embrace his unique strengths and passions
- Confidently choose adventures that feel just right
- Celebrate the quirks that make him truly shine
Never hide what you love from what others think.
With playful rhymes, whimsical illustrations, and a gentle message about the power of authenticity, The Should Sorter encourages young readers (and their grown-ups!) to free themselves from unnecessary expectations and bravely become exactly who they’re meant to be.
Perfect for fans of “The Day the Crayons Quit,” “Giraffes Can’t Dance,” and “The Wonderful Things You Will Be.” This magical story makes a thoughtful, empowering gift for birthdays, bedtime stories, classroom read-alouds, and helping kids navigate life's "shoulds" and "coulds."
🎁 Ages: Ideal for ages 4–8 Grades Pre-K to 3
📚 Themes: Friendship, Authenticity, Self-Esteem, Courage, Mindfulness, Emotional Intelligence, and Creativity
Help your little reader spread their wings, sort out their "shoulds," and celebrate who they really are—grab your copy of
The Should Sorter today!
Rebecca Young is the creative force behind Bug & Bear Press and the author of the whimsical, heart-filled Bug & Bear series. Inspired by the curiosity and imagination of her own children, she writes stories that empower readers of all ages to embrace creativity, celebrate their own stories, and shape the world around them. Believing that storytelling should be collaborative, immersive, and inclusive, Rebecca pioneered Participatory Publishing-the cornerstone of Bug & Bear Press. Through this innovative framework, she invites audiences to co-create stories, bringing readers into the heart of the storytelling process.When she's not writing, Rebecca is likely skiing, traveling, or traveling to places where she can ski-always chasing adventure and the next great story.
Amna Zaki loves bringing stories to life with bright colors, playful characters, and a touch of magic. Inspired by the wonder and imagination of childhood, she creates illustrations that make young readers smile, dream, and explore. She has illustrated multiple children's books, each bursting withvibrant colors and whimsical charm, available online and in stores.
