Dug Feels Stubborn

What if being stubborn isn't about refusing... but about learning when to bend?

Meet Dug, a strong brown pentagon who likes things his way. When his friends invite him to try something new, Dug plants his feet and refuses to move. But staying stuck means missing out on fun - and feeling left behind.

With gentle encouragement from Pip, Dug discovers that real strength isn't about staying rigid. Through a simple, playful technique called the Willow Wiggle, he learns how to loosen his body, shift his thinking, and find the courage to go with the flow.

Dug Feels Stubborn is a warm Social Emotional Learning story that helps children understand inflexible moments while teaching them that it's safe - and sometimes brave - to adapt.

As children follow Dug's journey, they also naturally absorb early learning concepts including shapes, colours, movement, and pattern recognition - thoughtfully woven into the story so development happens without pressure.

• struggle with transitions
• resist change
• become upset when things don't go their way
• find it hard to compromise
• benefit from learning emotional flexibility

• recognise stubborn feelings
• understand the difference between strength and rigidity
• learn a gentle body-based calming strategy
• build resilience and adaptability
• grow confidence when facing new situations

Inside the book and via QR code you'll find movement-based activities, printable resources, classroom-friendly tools, and a helpful parent & teacher guide designed to extend learning beyond the final page.

Ideal for home, preschool, classroom, and SEN environments.

Part of The Shape Squad Series - stories created to build emotional skills for life while gently supporting early childhood development.