The night before the underwater fancy-dress parade, Alfie got that feeling . . .

Sometimes it's hard to be brave. Sometimes you get that feeling. Sometimes you're just not ready . . . until, one day, you are.

From a dynamic new picture-book partnership comes the story of Alfie and a big octopus wearing a tiny hat and the things you can only whisper to the cowboys on your wallpaper.

About the Author

Davina Bell is a writer from Western Australia who works in the world of children's books. Her short stories and essays have been published in various journals and anthologies, including The Best Australian Stories 2007.

About the Illustrator

Allison Colpoys is an award-winning freelance book designer and illustrator. When she was little, Allison was obsessed with underwater worlds and wanted to be a mermaid when she grew up. She is still trying.

Industry Reviews

'A simple palette makes for a stunning visual effect in this gentle story of one little boy's anxiety. Beautiful illustrations and a clear and sensitive text keep the message simple ... A useful book for children who suffer with anxiety or shyness, but the gorgeous style will appeal to those with artistic eyes too.'

Booktrust's March 2015 'Books We Like' 'Beautifully-written and sensitive, there's not a scrap of schmaltz in this book about the anxiety that plagues some children ... The tenderness in this story is divinely balanced with gentle pops of fluorescent colour on soft grey pages ... A considered, charming and important book for anyone struggling with throwing themselves into the vast ocean of modern day society.'

Kids' Book Review 'This gorgeous picture book doesn't whack you over the head with its exploration of social anxiety, but considers a sensitive boy's feelings with empathy and subtlety ... The theme is beautifully explored and Allison Colpoys' illustrations perfectly capture his vulnerability'