Tangle and the Firesticks

A parent might reach for this book when their child feels like a troublemaker or is struggling to fit in with peers. This gentle story follows Tangle, a tiny, mischievous creature who is banished from his home for being a nuisance. Alone and lonely, he stumbles upon a human camper and, fascinated, steals his matches, or "firesticks." When a dangerous beast threatens his old community, Tangle uses his newfound tool to scare it away, returning as a celebrated hero. For children aged 4 to 8, this book is a comforting look at resilience, loneliness, and finding your unique strengths. It shows how qualities that others see as flaws can become the very things that make you special and brave.