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Friends in the Wild

Discover an emotionally rich fiction picture book series for children ages 3–8 about friendship, big feelings, and gentle adventures.

The stories in this series follow four animal friends—Badu, Zuri, Kaya, and Tamu—as they navigate everyday challenges like helping others, facing fears, and learning from mistakes. Set against the African savanna, each book encourages emotional growth, empathy, and connection through playful storytelling and vibrant collage-style art—perfect for reading at home, in the classroom, or anywhere kids and grown-ups read together.

Books in the Friends in the Wild series are available in paperback, hardcover, and digital formats:​

  • Paperback and Kindle editions are sold through Amazon.

  • Hardcover editions are printed through my publishing partner and are available directly from this website at a special author price. Hardcover editions are also available through Amazon and other major booksellers.

  • EPUB editions are distributed to Apple Books, Kobo, and other ebook platforms.

 

Hardcover editions are available to bookstores, libraries, and schools through Ingram’s global distribution channels.

Illustration of four animal friends—a lion, zebra, elephant, and giraffe—standing under a tree on the African savanna
Book cover for “Badu Gets Stuck!”—a children’s picture book about friendship and forgiveness by Michele Renee Acosta
Badu Gets Stuck!

Badu the lion learns what it really means to be a friend when he rushes ahead and winds up in a prickly situation. This gentle story explores helping others, learning from mistakes, and showing up when it matters most.

Available now!

Special author hardcover price: $22.99 (US) / £17.99 (UK)

Book cover for “Zuri Braves the Dark!”—a children’s picture book about bravery and facing fears by Michele Renee Acosta
Zuri Braves the Dark!

Zuri the zebra isn’t sure about the dark—but with encouragement from her friends, she takes her first brave steps into a nighttime adventure. This comforting tale helps children explore fear, friendship, and the quiet magic of trying something new.

Available 9/23/25
Coming Soon!
Book 3

Description coming soon!

Available 11/18/25
Coming Soon!
Placeholder book cover for Book 3 in the Friends in the Wild series by Michele Renee Acosta
Book 4

Description coming soon!

Available 1/13/26
Available Next Year!
Placeholder book cover for Book 4 in the Friends in the Wild series by Michele Renee Acosta

Connect with

Friends in the Wild!

If you and the kids in your life are enjoying Friends in the Wild, I’d love to stay in touch. Sign up here for occasional updates when new books are released, and you’ll get access to a few printable coloring pages created just for this series.

Illustration of four animal friends—lion, zebra, elephant, and giraffe—in an African savanna setting
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