Meet Dib: A Picture Book Robot Teaching Kids About Feelings

Six years ago, I wasn't a confident reader.

But every night, my son Adam and I would curl up with picture books at bedtime. We'd read stories about feelings, friendship, and the big questions kids ask. And somewhere between "one more chapter" and "why does ..?" something shifted.

I realized: there's no manual for growing up. No manual for parenting, either.

Just curiosity, questions, mistakes, and moments of kindness along the way.

That's where Dib was born.

Meet Dib

Dib is a curious little robot who doesn't know what "happy" means yet. But he's determined to find out.

He searches in the fridge. Under the sofa. He even asks the dog.

When a child finally explains that happy feels like "bubbles in your tummy" and "the sun like a hug," Dib discovers something unexpected: robots can feel, too.

And so can we all—even when feelings are hard to name.

Why a Robot?

I chose a robot protagonist for a few reasons:

1. Fresh perspective

Dib approaches emotions without assumptions. He doesn't know what "happy" or "jealous" or "brave" means, so he has to learn—just like children do. This lets young readers explore feelings alongside him, without judgment.

2. Universal relatability

Dib isn't tied to a specific gender, culture, or background. Every child can see themselves in a curious robot learning about the world.

3. Permission to not know

Children (and adults!) often feel like they should already understand their emotions. Dib gives everyone permission to say: "I don't know what this feeling is yet—and that's okay."

What Dib Is About

The Dib series explores the experiences all children navigate:

• Discovering feelings (happiness, sadness, jealousy, worry)

• Making and keeping friends

• Starting school and finding where you belong

• Making mistakes and learning to say sorry

• Asking "why?" about everything

• Finding comfort when things feel scary

• Understanding that everyone's brain and body works differently

  
  

Each book stands alone, but together they form a journey of emotional growth—for children and for the grown-ups reading beside them.

Two Series, One Robot

The Core Series (8 Books)

Universal experiences every child faces: feelings, friendship, school, storms, mistakes, and growth.

The Neurodivergent Companions (5 Books)

Stories that explore stimming, sensory sensitivity, focus challenges, communication differences, and special interests. These books celebrate neurodiversity and help all children understand that different brains and bodies are wonderful.

Why I'm Sharing This

I'm not a trained educator or psychologist or class myself as an author. I'm a parent who learned about feelings through bedtime stories and through the messy, beautiful process of raising a curious child.

Dib is my way of sharing what I've learned: that growing up is hard, that feelings are complicated, and that it's okay to not have all the answers.

These stories are for children learning about their hearts.

And for the grown-ups reading beside them, learning right along with them.

What's Next

Over the coming weeks, I'll be sharing:

• Sneak peeks at Dib's world

• The stories behind each book

• Thoughts on feelings, parenting, and picture books

• Updates on the journey toward publication

  
  

If you'd like to follow along, you can:

• Follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ianoutterson.author/

  
  

Thank you for being here at the beginning.

Beep. Boop. Let's begin.

Ian

P.S.

What was your favorite bedtime story growing up? Or what's your little one's favorite right now? I'd love to hear—drop me a message or leave a comment below.