Paku
BY JESS STILES
Paku needed a friend.
When a perfectly round and perfectly quiet ball — it seems like the perfect solution.
Together, Paku and the ball watched Paku’s favourite movies, played Paku’s favourite games, and had a picnic at Paku’s favourite spot. The ball never complained or disagreed, and it never fussed about the pyjama selection. The ball was the perfect friend… until it wasn’t. It turns out, being the only one choosing, talking, and playing is not very friendly at all!
After a frustrated kick sent the ball bouncing far, far away, Paku and a helpful fox, Fenwick, set off on a search. They adventured through forests, along rivers, and all the way to the lighthouse by the sea, where all they found was the sunset and a realization that friendship isn’t about having someone who always goes along… It’s about someone who comes along.
PAKU is a sweet, silly picture book for ages 4–8 about what it really means to be a friend — taking turns, being kind, and finding joy in playing together.
