Books by Apryl Stott
written and illustrated by Apryl Stott
I first came across Apryl Stott’s illustrations in a church magazine, and I was immediately drawn to them. There was something about the soft watercolor style that felt calming, almost quiet in the best way, and I loved how much the illustrations added to the stories.
That curiosity led me to look up more of her work, which is how I found these picture books. The stories and illustrations really fit together beautifully—neither one outshines the other. Instead, they work in harmony, creating this gentle, thoughtful reading experience.
There’s a softness and lightness to both the artwork and the storytelling that makes the books feel calm and comforting, while still being engaging and meaningful for kids.
Coco and Bear
The Coco and Bear series by Apryl Stott follows the friendship between Coco, a kind little girl, and Bear, a gentle bear who is often misunderstood by others. At the center of the stories is their growing bond, built on trust, kindness, and seeing each other for who they truly are.
Coco is the one who consistently notices Bear’s goodness and stands by him, even when others don’t understand him right away. Bear, in return, finds comfort and confidence in Coco’s friendship. Together, they move through simple childhood moments that highlight emotions like bravery, belonging, communication, and empathy.
The series tells quiet, meaningful stories that feel both comforting and emotionally rich for young readers. With soft watercolor illustrations and gentle storytelling, these books work beautifully as read-a-louds and are especially well-suited for preschool and early elementary children.
Share Some Kindness, Bring Some Light
When Coco meets Bear, she sees something others don’t—kindness behind a quiet, misunderstood exterior. As the forest animals keep their distance, Coco chooses to step closer, showing that friendship and compassion can shine even in uncertain moments. A tender story about looking beyond appearances and choosing kindness first.
Find Your Brave
Coco is excited for a special moment she’s dreamed about—but when the time comes, nerves creep in. With Bear by her side, she begins to discover that bravery doesn’t mean not feeling scared; it means showing up anyway. A gentle reminder that courage can look different for everyone.
I particularly like this book. I love how it shows how being afraid or nervous doesn't mean that you can't do the things you want to do.
Speak Your Heart
Even the best friends don’t always understand each other right away. When Coco and Bear face a misunderstanding, feelings get tangled and words don’t come easily. Through patience and honesty, they learn that speaking gently and listening closely can help heal hurt feelings and bring hearts back together.
Join Our Family
Coco and Bear’s world grows a little bigger when someone new needs a place to belong. As they welcome change together, they discover that family isn’t just about who you are—it’s about who you choose to love and include. A warm, comforting story about belonging, acceptance, and making space for others.
Ruby's Tools
The Ruby’s Tools series by Apryl Stott centers on Ruby, a thoughtful young girl who is learning that growing up comes with all kinds of emotional ups and downs. Instead of focusing on “fixing” problems in a big or overwhelming way, Ruby discovers that she already has something powerful inside her—her own set of “tools” for navigating life .
Each book highlights a different everyday situation children can easily relate to, such as making friends, handling mistakes, or working through uncomfortable feelings. As Ruby moves through these moments, she learns to lean on skills like honesty, patience, courage, empathy, and trying again when things don’t go as planned. The idea of “tools” gives children a simple, memorable way to understand emotional regulation and social problem-solving without feeling pressured or corrected.
With Apryl Stott’s signature soft watercolor illustrations and gentle storytelling style, the series feels calm, reassuring, and approachable. It’s especially well suited for preschool and early elementary readers, and it works beautifully as a read-aloud for helping kids talk through feelings in a safe, comforting way.
Ruby’s Tools for Making Friends
Ruby wants to be a good friend, but sometimes making new connections feels a little tricky. When she notices other kids playing without her, Ruby feels unsure of what to do. With a little reflection and her special “tools,” she learns that kindness, courage, and simply trying again can open the door to friendship. A gentle story about taking the first step and finding your place with others.
Ruby’s Tools for Fixing Mistakes
When Ruby makes a mistake, she feels disappointed in herself and unsure how to make things right. Instead of giving up, she turns to her tools—like honesty, patience, and trying again—to help her work through it. Along the way, Ruby learns that mistakes aren’t the end of the story, but part of learning and growing. A reassuring, relatable story about grace, growth, and second chances.
Stand alone books
Almost Always Best, Best Friends
Almost Always Best, Best Friends is a warm, honest look at friendship through its ups and downs. Two close friends learn that even the strongest bonds don’t mean everything will always be perfect. There are misunderstandings, feelings get hurt, and moments of distance—but there’s also forgiveness, kindness, and coming back together. With its gentle tone and emotional depth, this story reassures young readers that true friendship can stretch, bend, and still hold strong.
Welcome Spring
In Welcome Spring, Apryl Stott captures the quiet beauty of change as the world begins to wake up again after winter. Through gentle storytelling and soft watercolor illustrations, young readers follow the joy of noticing small signs of spring—new growth, warmer days, and the feeling of fresh beginnings. It’s a calming, nature-focused picture book that encourages children to slow down and appreciate the world around them as it transforms.
