Hi everyone,
I’m absolutely thrilled to introduce you to my new children’s book, Emilio the Emoo!
Aimed at children aged 4–8, the story of Emilio the Emoo! is one that’s close to my heart. It follows Emilio, a bright and fun-loving emu raised by his adoptive Mommy and Daddy Cow on an Irish farm. Emilio is full of personality and loves his family dearly, but his “moo” makes him stand out in ways he doesn’t always expect.
As a mother, I’ve seen firsthand how children perceive differences in themselves and others. Sometimes, those differences are embraced, but far too often, they can become barriers. Whether it’s the child with the stammer, the one who hates wearing shoes, or the one who loves “non-traditional” colours for their gender, children can feel isolated simply because they don’t fit a mould. With Emilio, I wanted to create a character who could represent all of these kids – the ones who feel different and the ones who are afraid of those differences.
When I first imagined Emilio, I pictured this little furry, orange emu who both looked and sounded different from those around him – a character so vibrant that he couldn’t help but stand out in his surroundings. That image stayed with me, growing into a story I felt compelled to write. I wanted to create a story that celebrates individuality while gently addressing how children perceive and treat others who seem “different.” Today, I’m absolutely delighted to share Emilio the Emoo! with you – a story that is as much about self-love and acceptance as it is about celebrating what makes us unique.
Emilio is neurodivergent. He wears noise-cancelling headphones, often prefers reading alone, and doesn’t always fit in with the others around him. When a call comes from his emu relatives in Australia, Emilio embarks on a brave adventure across the world to discover what it means to embrace his differences and celebrate who he truly is. I wanted this book to have important lessons about acceptance, and how it isn’t just something others need to give – it’s something we need to give ourselves too; self-love; and empathy.
Writing and publishing this story has been such a joy, and I can’t wait for you to meet Emilio. I truly hope it helps children everywhere see the beauty in being themselves, the importance of accepting others, and the value of being kind.
I’d love for you to join Emilio on his adventure and share his heartwarming message with the little ones in your life. Thank you for being part of this journey with me!
If you’d like a copy, you can order it HERE.
Warm wishes,
Emer Cleary
CEO & Co-Founder (and author!)
Emu Ink Publishing