Why we started Bold Kids
We started Bold Kids in 2020. Like every family, we were getting through the pandemic one day at a time. We were also in the middle of a long fight to get our son’s autism diagnosis.
This is the story of how one pair of wellies, and one missing hero, turned into Bold Kids.
It started with a pair of wellies
Our son loves being outdoors. Playing in the rain and splashing in the mud helps him so much. But he is sensory sensitive, and the wellies we could find were hard and stiff. However much he wanted to be outside, they never stayed on.
So we went looking for wellies he would actually wear, and teamed up with Amazbear on a collaboration. The wellies were soft and bendy, in bright, bold colours, and he absolutely loved them.
We saw how the right outdoor wear could be more than just style. It could be a tool for relief, a source of confidence and an invitation to play without barriers.
Later we made our own beanies too, for the same reason: scratchy wool, itchy seams and labels meant hats never stayed on either. Our beanies, The Originals, are soft, lined with fleece and have no itchy labels. They come in sizes from baby to grown-up, so the whole family can match.
Then we went looking for a her
We looked for stories with a hero like him. There were plenty of superheroes, but hardly any who looked, thought or felt like him.
When a child sees themselves in a story, it sparks confidence. When other children see them too, it builds kindness. So we wrote our own.
Bold Kids: The Origin is a 32-page read-aloud about four friends who gain special powers on an extraordinary school trip. One of its heroes was inspired by our son, and all the big-feelings kids like him. Meet the Bold Kids Club:
Chika, the kind leader with a big heart. She listens first, then helps friends feel seen.
Yao, the curious pattern-finder. Shy at first, he spots the details everyone else misses.
Ruby, the resilient maker, who turns “What if?” into “We did it!”
Baffor, the steady teammate. Strong, thoughtful and loyal, he stays calm when things get tricky.
What Bold Kids is today
Bold Kids has grown from one pair of wellies into a little world:
Sensory-friendly beanies and rainwear, made for comfort first.
Our book, Bold Kids: The Origin, for ages 3 to 13.
Free printables, songs and stories on Play & Learn, for the tricky bits of the day like mornings and big feelings.
Sensory-friendly story visits for schools across Kent and London.
Everything we make is for all children, especially those who are autistic, ADHD or highly sensitive, and the grown-ups who love them. We exist so your child can feel warm, regulated and fully seen, wherever they play.
Bold in style, inclusive by design
That’s our motto. Bold, because every child deserves to feel confident and celebrated, just as they are. Inclusive, because every child deserves to feel included: in the clothes they wear, the stories they read and the heroes they see, whatever their culture, background or abilities.
Come and say hello
If you’re a parent or carer finding your way, we see you. We’re still learning too.
Start with a free kit, share a story at bedtime, and tell us what we should make next. We read every idea.
Love, Bold Kids
