What Makes This Story Unique?
– Speaks directly to the social-media world today’s children live in.
– Models healthy skepticism toward online trends and comparison.
– Helps children build an identity that isn’t borrowed from a screen.
This story is a practical tool to help your child:
– Question social-media trends and pressure.
– Resist the comparison trap.
– Build confidence rooted in real identity, not images.
A Dress Like Ella’s isn’t just a book — it’s a bridge to meaningful conversations about values, courage and self-respect.
– Perfect for bedtime reading, but be sure to stop at the song right after the story ends — it reflects the story’s values and warms the heart before sleep. Activities and games can be saved for another time.
– Perfect for classroom discussions.
Key Features of the Book
– Interactive Game Zone: A purposeful, fun set of mind & visual games (a maze, spot-the-difference, a hidden-objects scene, a 4×4 sudoku, brain challenges, a number puzzle, a word whirl, riddles, a guessing game and a coloring page) starring characters children love.
– Creative Activities Corner: Drawing, role-play and writing exercises that deepen the story’s morals.
– Discussion Prompts: Thought-provoking questions that spark meaningful parent-child conversations.
– Moral Theme Song: An original, catchy song (“Shine as You Are”) whose lyrics align with the story’s core message.
– Illustrated Image Gallery: Vibrant artwork of key moments to inspire reflection.
– Parent’s Companion Guide: Practical tips to foster the story’s value at home.
– Quotes & Dialogues: Lines that model healthy behavior and independent thinking.
– Connect with Lena: Children can safely share their thoughts with Lena by email.
– Child-Tested & Approved: Refined with children’s feedback for relatability and impact.
Storytelling Style:
– Clear, age-appropriate language for 8–12-year-olds.
– Focus on real-world problem-solving without fantasy elements.
– Encourages parent-child bonding through shared reading and activities.
This book aligns with moral parenting values — both an enjoyable read and a valuable experience.
Pages: 46
Finished Size: 229mm x 152mm
Paperback Specifications
– Pages: 74
– Text Stock: 115gsm Coated
– Finished Size: 229mm x 152mm (US Royal)
– Cover Stock: Cover Board
– Binding: Perfect Bound
– Lamination: Matte
Frequently Asked Questions
What age group is A Dress Like Ella’s for?
It is written for children aged 8–12, and widely read by 13- and 14-year-olds who prefer short chapters, in clear, age-appropriate language with real, relatable situations and no fantasy.
What will my child learn from this story?
That their worth is not measured in likes: to question trends, resist comparison, and build confidence from real identity.
Is this a digital book or a paperback?
Both. You can choose an instant Digital copy or a printed Paperback edition at checkout.
What is included besides the story?
An interactive game zone, a creative-activities corner, discussion prompts, an original moral theme song, an illustrated image gallery, and a Parent’s Companion Guide.
Is it suitable for bedtime reading?
Yes. For bedtime, read up to the song right after the story ends, and save the games and activities for another time.
Listen to the opening chapters — free
Prefer to listen first? This is the free read-aloud of A Dress Like Ella’s, read by a professional narrator, with chapter markers. It covers the opening chapters and stops at the turning point — the ending is in the book.
Is this suitable for a 13 or 14 year old?
Yes. The story is written for ages 8–12, which is where most readers start it, but the situations — group chats, reputation, being talked about at school — land just as hard at 13 and 14. Older readers who find long novels heavy often finish this in one sitting, which is exactly the point.
Looking for children’s books about confidence?
The search for childrens books about confidence often starts on a phone screen — a child comparing themselves to someone who only posts the good bits. A Dress Like Ella’s takes that exact feeling seriously instead of dismissing it, and walks Lena from wanting to be someone else to being able to stand where she is. Parents also find it filed under childrens books about self esteem, which is fair: the two problems are the same problem seen from different sides.
What age is this book for?
Ages 8–12. Comparison starts earlier than most parents expect, so it works as books for 8 year olds and books for 9 year olds, hits hardest as books for 10 year olds and books for 11 year olds when phones and group chats arrive, and still reads well as books for 12 year olds. Older readers of 13 and 14 recognise it immediately. See also our books for 9 year olds and books for 11 year olds lists.
Is it a chapter book?
Yes — a short illustrated chapter book at 229 x 152 mm; the printed page count is in the specifications above. It is lighter than typical chapter books for 10 year olds, which is what makes it usable with reluctant readers.
Ebook or paperback?
Both, chosen at checkout. The digital edition is a children’s ebook delivered instantly and readable on any device worldwide. The paperback is printed and delivered within the United Kingdom.
Buying more than one
Any 3, 6 or 10 titles make a children’s book bundle with a lower price per book at each step — build your bundle.
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