Tricky Things
Tricky things can feel hard… but that doesn’t mean we can’t do them.
Getting dressed. Packing a bag. Joining in. Trying something new.
Follow one determined little girl as she faces a day full of tricky moments—from home to school to the playground—and discovers that with practice, patience, and a little courage, she can do more than she thought.
And when the day is done, she learns something even more special… she can help someone else believe it too.
A gentle, encouraging story that builds confidence, resilience, and a powerful growth mindset in young readers.
Tropes You'll Love
- Growth Mindset: Learning that hard things can become possible with practice.
- Small Wins Matter: Everyday achievements are celebrated with warmth and care.
- Determined Little Hero: A child keeps trying, even when things feel difficult.
- Real-Life Challenges: Getting dressed, packing a bag, joining in, and trying new things.
- Confidence Building: A gentle reminder that children are capable of more than they realise.
- Practice and Patience: Progress comes one small step at a time.
- Emotional Resilience: Tricky moments are acknowledged, not dismissed.
- Independence Skills: Encouraging children to try manageable steps on their own.
- Encouraging Repetition: A memorable phrase children can carry into their own lives.
- Passing It On: The hero learns she can help someone else believe in themselves too.
Behind the Story
Tricky Things was inspired by a girl in my class who was learning to become more independent with personal care. When I verbally prompted her through steps, like pulling her pants back up after going to the toilet, she would often say, "It's tricky."
At first, my instinct was to reassure her by saying, "No, it's easy." But I stopped myself, because while it may have been easy for me, it genuinely wasn't easy for her. So instead of dismissing her struggle, I acknowledged it. I would say, "It is tricky, but you know what?" and she would ask, "What?" Then I’d tell her, "You can do tricky things." She would ask, "I can?" and I’d say, "Yes, you can." That little exchange became a stepping stone. Sometimes she still needed help untwisting clothes or getting unstuck, but whenever possible, I stepped back and let her experience the pride of doing the next part herself.
This book grew from that moment of respect: the idea that children don’t need us to pretend things are easy. They need us to believe they are capable, even when something is hard. Tricky Things is a gentle reminder that confidence is built one brave little step at a time.
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Buy BookAbout the Author
Renee Conoulty is an Australian author based in Gippsland, Victoria, writing books with humour and heart for all ages. She writes picture books, graphic novels, and chapter books that centre thoughtful characters, emotional literacy, and small acts of kindness. Drawing on her experience working in a specialist school, Renee loves creating stories that help children understand themselves and the world around them.
Book Details & Metadata
Title: Tricky ThingsAuthor: Renee Conoulty
Release Date: September 15, 2026
Genre: Children’s Picture Book / Social-Emotional Learning / Growth Mindset
Themes: Confidence, resilience, independence, growth mindset, perseverance, self-help skills, courage, patience, trying new things.
Setting: Home, school, and playground moments from a young child’s everyday life.
Target Age: 3–7 years
Format: Paperback & eBook
Availability: Available via Amazon and major retailers.
Summary for Search: A gentle and encouraging picture book about confidence, resilience, independence, and growth mindset. Follow one determined little girl as she faces everyday tricky moments and discovers that with practice, patience, and courage, she can do more than she thought. Perfect for children learning self-help skills and building confidence one small step at a time.