Steve Says, “Stop!”

Steve’s first day of school spirals downward fast—until he finds the power to say “Stop!” and ask for help.

Steve is buzzing with excitement for the first day of Year Three—until too much sun, a twisted sock, and a swirl of classroom noise leave him feeling overwhelmed. When everything gets LOUDER and BIGGER, Steve finds the courage to say “STOP!” Told in gentle rhyme with warmth and humour, Steve Say’s “Stop!” is an encouraging story about emotional regulation, peer support, and classroom inclusion. With expressive, detail-rich illustrations, young readers can spot the chaos building—and see how calm can return with a little kindness, understanding, and the right tools.
 

• A relatable and accessible introduction to emotional overwhelm and self-regulation in school settings.
• Empowers young readers to recognise their feelings and seek support from trusted peers and adults.
• Dynamic, expressive illustrations capture both the chaos and calm of Steve’s day, giving visual cues that support emotional understanding for young readers.

Dallys Askew works in education and is passionate about contributing to a world where we are loved and accepted for all those special quirks that make each of us unique. She grew up in regional Victoria on a large property, with lots of space to get lost in her imagination. She has always loved to rhyme and play around with words, something her teachers didn't always appreciate. Dallys lives with her husband and two children in Melbourne, Australia.

Born in a small Spanish town, Luisa Vera studied Fine Arts before moving to New York at 23. After a long career as an editorial illustrator, she turned her focus to children's literature. Now based in Barcelona, she loves drawing, watching birds and stepping in puddles.


 

ISBN ：978-1-76036-362-8

Release Date ：2th June 2026

RRP ：$26.99 AUD

Age range：4 years and up

Binding ：Hardback

Trim Size ：215 mm in H | 261 mm in W

Extent ：32 pages | Four-colour Interior

Imprint ：Starfish Bay Children's Books

Categories ：Children's Picture Books