Staying calm
Encourages children to pause rather than panic when they feel unsure.
The Adventures of Esme & Bailey
Lost in the Shop
A gentle picture book about staying calm, finding help, and getting safely back to Dad.
Ages 3–6
Picture Book
Getting Lost
In Lost in the Shop, Esme and Bailey are out shopping with Dad when they turn around and realise they have wandered away from him.
Esme wants to run around and look for Dad straight away, but Bailey remembers that the best plan is to stay calm and think it through. Together, they decide to go to the till and speak to a member of store staff. A tannoy call later, they are safely reunited for a warm and reassuring ending.
A Simple Everyday Lesson
A story that helps children know what to do if they get lost
Lost in the Shop supports gentle conversations about getting separated, staying in one place, and asking the right adults for help. It reassures children that even if a moment feels worrying, there is a calm and sensible way to handle it.
What This Book Supports
Helpful themes for early years reading
Clear, simple ideas that fit naturally into shared reading and gentle discussion.
Finding the right help
Reinforces that shop staff and tills are good places to go when a child is lost.
Thinking before acting
Shows that running off to search alone can make things harder, not easier.
Safe reunions
Helps children understand that trusted adults and staff can work together to help.
Inside the Book
A closer look at Lost in the Shop
The story is illustrated in soft, warm colours to keep the tone gentle and reassuring, even during a moment of uncertainty. Familiar shop scenes, calm expressions, and a safe reunion help children explore the idea of getting lost in a way that feels steady, clear, and easy to talk about together.
What this book encourages
Gentle themes children can explore
Simple ideas that help children stop, think clearly, and go to the right grown-ups for help when they feel unsure.
Ideal Age Range
Best suited to ages 3 to 6
This story is designed for young children, especially for shared reading at home, in nurseries, or in early years settings.
The language is calm and accessible, making it a good fit for gentle conversations about what to do if a child gets separated in a busy public place.
For Parents & Carers
Why adults may find this book useful
Lost in the Shop offers a practical and reassuring way to talk about getting separated without making the subject feel frightening. The story keeps the message simple: do not run off, do not keep wandering, and go to store staff for help.
It works especially well for children who benefit from repetition, familiar routines, and stories that connect directly to real-life situations they may one day face.
The Heart of the Story
When things feel confusing, calm choices matter most
When Esme and Bailey realise Dad is no longer beside them, Esme wants to rush off and find him. Bailey helps steady the moment by remembering a better plan: stop, think, and ask the right adult for help.
By going to the till and speaking to store staff, they make a safe and sensible choice. A tannoy call later, they are reunited with Dad, showing children that staying calm and asking for help can quickly turn a worrying moment into a safe one.
Reading Together
Questions you could ask after reading
Helps parents turn reading into real conversations that build confidence and understanding
- How did Esme and Bailey know they had wandered away from Dad?
- Why was it not a good idea to run around looking on their own?
- Who can we ask for help if we get Lost in the Shop?
- Why is the till or checkout a good place to go?
Bring these conversations to life through the full story
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Free Esme & Bailey Activity Packs
Fun printable activities to keep little ones busy at home or on the go.
More Packs on the way ...
Fun printable activities to keep little ones busy at home or on the go.
More Packs on the way ...
Fun printable activities to keep little ones busy at home or on the go.
More Packs on the way ...
Fun printable activities to keep little ones busy at home or on the go.
More Adventures
Discover more Esme & Bailey books
Explore the rest of the series for more warm, thoughtful stories based on familiar childhood moments.
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