The Forgetful Elf

This delightful book is more than just a story – it’s an adventure for children and adults alike. When The Forgetful Elf loses something important, young readers and their grown-ups follow clues outdoors, uncover hidden surprises, and explore children’s thoughts and feelings through play and adventure.

One magical story, one forgetful elf, and an adventure the whole family can explore together. The Forgetful Elf by Robert Fidgett, and beautifully illustrated by Dani Pasteau, is a magical new children’s picture book and the first in the Family Adventure Series. This delightful book is more than just a story - it’s an adventure waiting to happen, for children and adults alike. When The Forgetful Elf misplaces something important, young readers and their grown-ups are invited to help solve the mystery together, following clues and exploring the outdoors and uncovering hidden along the way. Every page encourages curiosity, imagination and teamwork, turning story time into an adventure that continues long after the book is closed. Designed especially for younger children and families, The Forgetful Elf blends storytelling with playful investigation. Parents and children work together, talk, laugh and explore, making each reading a shared experience rather than a solo one. It is a story families return to again and again, discovering something new each time as the adventure unfolds. With warm, enchanting illustrations by Dani Pasteau, the elf’s world comes to life in scenes filled with charm, wonder and outdoor magic. Children are invited to linger, look closely and imagine themselves stepping into the adventure alongside the characters. Inspired by a lifelong love of the outdoors, The Forgetful Elf gently encourages families to step away from screens and rediscover the joy of playing, talking and adventuring together. Whether read at bedtime or before a day outside, the story sparks conversation, creativity and unforgettable family moments. The book is written with great care and sensitivity to children’s emotions. It gently guides grown-ups to revisit the adventure, offering cues to talk about the experience - whether that’s straight afterwards or later in the day, when it can sometimes be hard for children to open up about what they’ve learned or felt. With thoughtful prompts, it encourages adults to ask children how they felt about the adventure and what they might do differently next time. The book also includes cutouts to use in the story to help bring the adventure to life, as well as a sample map for laying out clues. Why families love The Forgetful Elf:• Encourages conversation, teamwork and curiosity• Turns story time into an interactive adventure• Sparks outdoor exploration and imagination• Perfect for repeated readings and family traditions• A screen-free adventure that inspires families to play, explore and discover togetherPerfect for:• Children aged 3 to 7• Shared reading at bedtime• Weekend family adventures• The perfect gift for birthdays and special occasionsThe Forgetful Elf is more than a story. It is the beginning of a family tradition. About the author and illustratorAuthor Robert Fidgett was born in Brixton and discovered his love for the outdoors at an early age through a local youth club that regularly organised adventures and activity days. This early passion shaped a career of more than 40 years as a qualified youth worker specialising in outdoor education. Throughout his career, Robert worked with families and organisations to design meaningful activity programmes that build confidence, resilience and a sense of adventure. In 1998, Robert and his family moved to Box Hill, where their own outdoor explorations became the inspiration for The Forgetful Elf. Created as a magical story with a gentle reflective bedtime style, the book encourages families to connect with nature and create lasting memories together. Illustrator Dani Pasteau is a creative leader and entrepreneur based in Surrey. With over 25 years of experience in design and illustration, she brings creative thinking and artistic warmth to every illustration. Dani’s work is known for its lively energy, visual clarity and ability to perfectly support storytelling, helping characters and worlds feel both magical and welcoming. The Forgetful Elf is the very first adventure in the Family Adventure Series, where everyday moments become magical memories. Want to discover more adventures? Search for Family Adventure Series online.