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Book 1 of the ESSA High Series!
Sophie has one rule for the first day of high school: survive it.
She's spent years being stared at and bullied for needing her Emotional Support Stuffed Animal, Brave, by her side. So when her mum drops her off at a new school, she braces for more of the same. Except ESSA High is built for kids exactly like her.
Here, everyone has an ESSA, and for the first time, Sophie doesn't have to hide who she is.
By the end of the week, she's made two new friends, and for the first time ever, she actually looks forward to school. But when a school-wide competition means standing up in front of the whole school, Sophie has to decide: is she ready to step into the spotlight and bring awareness to why ESSAs matter?
This book offers a genuine representation and educates readers about the importance of emotional regulation tools like ESSAs in a story that is warm, funny, and completely impossible to put down.
"It's hard when your brain works differently. I'm autistic and have ADHD and anxiety. Sometimes, I find it hard to use my words verbally and understand what others are saying to me. When I get overwhelmed and anxious, I can have panic attacks. My heart starts racing, my stomach hurts, and I start to feel sick. My body goes weak, and I feel like I am going to pass out. It's a horrible feeling, so I avoid situations that make me anxious as much as possible."
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Unless otherwise indicated, all names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Even when a person's name or ESSA name is real, the character linked to those names is completely fictitious and in no way based on their real life.
Also available in standard print here.
See the complete ESSA High series here.
We ship from Adelaide, South Australia with love. We aim for orders to be processed within 1-3 business days.
Australia
Metro areas are generally faster. Regional and remote locations may take a little longer.
International
We ship to most countries internationally. Shipping times vary by destination and carrier.
Please note: international orders may be subject to import duties or taxes charged by your country's customs authority. These charges are the responsibility of the recipient and are not included in your order total.
Returns & Exchanges
We want you to love your Little Paws order. If something isn't right, we are here to help.
Change of mind returns
We accept returns within 30 days of delivery. Items must be in their original packaging and in the same condition as received. Please email hello@littlepawsplushies.com to begin your return.
Please note:
International returns
International customers are responsible for all return shipping costs. Please note that if a parcel is returned to us due to unpaid customs duties or taxes, we will refund the product cost only — original shipping fees are non-refundable.
Faulty or damaged items
Please email us hello@littlepawsplushies.com
Frequently Asked Questions
An Emotional Support Stuffed Animal is a plushie that provides genuine comfort, emotional regulation and sensory support for neurodivergent children and adults, anxious kids and anyone who needs something soft to hold onto. Our ESSAs come with optional vests and accessories that signal their important role. Similar to how an assistance dog wears a vest. They are for anyone carrying big feelings, of any age.
Every product page includes a sizing guide in the description with direct links to the right size vest, boots, clothing and collar and leash for that specific plushie. Check the Accessory Size Guide section above. If you are still unsure, email us at hello@littlepawsplushies.com and we will help you choose.
Yes — we ship internationally to most countries from Adelaide, South Australia. Shipping is calculated at checkout based on your order's weight. Please note that international orders may be subject to import duties or taxes charged by your country. UK orders under £135 are duty-free. USA tariffs are charged at checkout. We are unable to ship to Russia or Ukraine.
We accept returns and exchanges within 30 days of delivery. Items must be in their original packaging and in the same condition as received. Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer and original shipping fees are non-refundable. If your item arrives faulty or damaged, we will cover all return shipping costs. Email hello@littlepawsplushies.com to begin a return.
Most plushies in our range are surface wash only — wipe gently with a damp cloth and allow to air dry. Do not machine wash or immerse in water. Warmies should never be immersed in water — surface clean only with a lightly damp cloth. Check the product description for specific care instructions for your plushie.
More questions? See our full FAQ
