A Little Bunny.
A Big Message: You Matter

Meet Luma. She’s quiet, she’s kind, and some days she wonders if anyone can really see her. One morning she sets out to find the answer to the question every kid has asked at least once… Turns out it was waiting for her the whole time. (It’s waiting for your child too.)

You Matter Luma

About the Book

You Matter Luma is more than a bedtime story. It’s a gentle, heartfelt children's picture book about self-worth, courage, and kindness that helps young hearts grow stronger.

As Luma journeys through the Passion Struck Forest, children learn that belonging isn’t earned through being big, bold, or perfect. It begins the moment they believe, “I matter just as I am.”.

Perfect for ages 3–8, this book invites quiet conversations and big feelings. The kind that last long after the final page is turned.

  • Builds self-worth, courage, and a deep sense of belonging
  • Opens gentle conversations about big feelings and resilience
  • Brings social-emotional learning and mindfulness moments into everyday life
  • Comforts kids facing change, self-doubt, and new beginnings
  • Wraps every reader in stunning empathy-sparking artwork
about

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Meet the Forest Friends

Every friend in You Matter Luma brings a different emotional superpower, including courage, resilience, empathy, belonging, and more. Together, they help children understand their big feelings through warm and meaningful adventures.

Luma the Bunny

Gentle dreamer with a brave and growing heart

Curious, thoughtful, and quietly courageous, Luma often feels small when the world around her feels loud. As she learns to trust her own voice, she discovers that her worth has always been inside her. Her journey shows children that even the softest spark can shine brightly and create ripples of kindness and courage.
Picture of Oliver the owl from You Matter Luma by John R. Miles

Oliver the Owl

Warm and steady friend who brings calm

Patient, thoughtful, and full of gentle insight, Oliver helps his friends understand what they are feeling and see challenges from a new angle. He listens deeply and asks the kinds of questions that make everything feel a little clearer. With Oliver nearby, the forest feels peaceful, warm, and safe.

Wren the Bird

Playful, creative friend who finds courage through her voice

Wren is lively, artistic, and full of bright ideas. She loves using music and imagination to express her feelings, even when she feels nervous about being seen. Through small moments of bravery, Wren shows children that their voice matters and that even quiet expressions can bring comfort, color, and confidence to others.

Sage the Fox

Loyal friend who makes every place feel like home

Thoughtful, warm, and quietly confident, Sage helps others feel welcome and included. He listens deeply and knows when someone needs a gentle word or a steady presence. Sage brings friends together and reminds children that belonging grows when everyone feels safe, seen, and valued.

Theo the Hedgehog

Curious friend who turns ideas into magic

Theo is a curious and imaginative little hedgehog who loves to build, tinker, and test new ideas. Sometimes his inventions wobble or fall apart, but he learns that mistakes are simply steps toward discovery. Theo reminds children that creativity grows through trying again and celebrating the wonder in every “what if” moment.

Zin the Turtle

Bright-hearted friend learning to guide his big feelings

Zin feels emotions in a big, bright way and sometimes gets overwhelmed by how quickly they arrive. With practice and support, he learns how calming his body helps him make good choices. Zin shows children that strong feelings are normal and that slowing down can help them find confidence and connection.

One Book, Many More to Come

You Matter Luma is only the beginning. More gentle stories are already on the way, each one carrying the same quiet message: You don’t have to be perfect or loud to belong. Just showing up with kindness and heart is enough. One small bunny is taking the first hop. I hope your family hops along for the whole journey.

Inside You Matter, Luma

Even in quiet moments, magic is growing Luma and Oliver by a brook as books and sparkles drift over ripples

You matter luma

Pass the Ripple: A Kindness Adventure

After you read You Matter Luma, try one tiny thing: Tell someone they matter. Give a hug. Draw a picture. Leave a note. Whatever feels right. Then ask them to pass it on. That’s the whole adventure. Grab a free Ripple Card (digital or we’ll mail you one), mark your act of kindness, and watch the ripples spread across the map together with kids everywhere. One small kindness. One giant ripple. Let’s see how far Luma’s love can travel.

  • Get your Ripple Card (digital or physical)
  • Do one small act of kindness or mattering
  • Pass it on and watch the ripple grow
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FAQ

Meet the Author

I’m John R. Miles. When I was five, a brain injury made me feel completely invisible. One kind speech therapist showed me my voice was worth hearing and that changed everything. Now, as a dad and an author, I see the same question in kids’ eyes: “Do I matter?” I wrote You Matter Luma to give them the answer I once needed: Yes. Right now. Exactly as you are. I hope this book feels like the hug every child deserves.

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