A Heartfelt Story That Builds 
Emotional Awareness Through Needs Literacy

The Phoenix Five, by Phoenix 
Support for Educators, is a beautifully 
illustrated storybook that introduces young 
children to the concept of Needs Literacy – the 
ability to recognise, understand and express 
their core human needs.
 Through a cast of playful characters and 
gentle, rhythmic storytelling, it opens the door 
to meaningful conversations about emotions, 
wellbeing, and what helps us thrive.
 Inspired by the Phoenix Cups® Framework, 
this book offers a powerful starting point for 
building emotional resilience, empathy and self
awareness in early childhood.
Written by Sandi & Christopher Phoenix, and 
Monica Millgate
Illustrated by Katherine Appleby

“I absolutely love your ‘needs literacy’ 
approach - it’s something I’ve been 
advocating forever. There is always 
a reason for difficult behaviour, 
and this book beautifully illustrates 
that truth. The Phoenix Five brings 
to life key human needs in a way 
that is accessible, engaging, and 
visually delightful. I especially loved 
the characters, the rhyming verses, 
and the illustrations. This book 
is a valuable tool for supporting 
emotional and social learning in 
children, helping them, and the 
adults around them, understand 
what is behind their feelings and 
behaviour. I believe this book can be 
a huge support for embodying this 
message into the SEL of all kids.”- Maggie Dent