The
The
Phoenix Five
Phoenix Five
A Story That Helps Children Understand What They Really Need.
A Story That Helps Children Understand What They Really Need.
A Story to Support Big Feelings and Little Learners
The Phoenix Five is a beautifully illustrated story designed to do something quite special – it gently introduces children to the idea that we all have different needs, and those needs matter. Through playful characters and rhythmic storytelling, it opens the door to conversations about emotions, wellbeing, and what helps us thrive.
$26.95A Story to Support Big Feelings and Little Learners
The Phoenix Five is a beautifully illustrated story designed to do something quite special – it gently introduces children to the idea that we all have different needs, and those needs matter. Through playful characters and rhythmic storytelling, it opens the door to conversations about emotions, wellbeing, and what helps us thrive.
$26.95
A world-first children's book on Needs Literacy.
A world-first children's book on Needs Literacy.
Inspired by the Phoenix Cups® framework, each character of The Phoenix Five represents a core human need — Safety, Connection, Freedom, Mastery, and Fun — brought to life in a way young minds can relate to and explore.
Through story and play, children begin to build the language to express how they feel, what they need, and why it matters. It’s a gentle first step into what we call Needs Literacy — an understanding that sits at the heart of wellbeing and growth.
This isn’t just a book. It’s the beginning of a lifelong journey in self-awareness, compassion, and emotional strength.
Inspired by the Phoenix Cups® framework, each character of The Phoenix Five represents a core human need — Safety, Connection, Freedom, Mastery, and Fun — brought to life in a way young minds can relate to and explore.
Through story and play, children begin to build the language to express how they feel, what they need, and why it matters. It’s a gentle first step into what we call Needs Literacy — an understanding that sits at the heart of wellbeing and growth.
This isn’t just a book. It’s the beginning of a lifelong journey in self-awareness, compassion, and emotional strength.
What does Maggie Dent have to say about The Phoenix Five?
"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."
What does Maggie Dent have to say about The Phoenix Five?
"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."
More than a book...
The Phoenix Five is the first step towards emotional strength.
More than a book...
The Phoenix Five is the first step towards emotional strength.
Research shows that when children understand their needs, they’re better able to regulate emotions, build healthy relationships, and develop self-awareness.
The Phoenix Five helps lay the foundation for that understanding... using story, symbolism, and lived experience.
- Created by the authors of the Phoenix Cups® framework
- Loved by parents, teachers, and psychologists alike
- Backed by years of research and real-world experience
Research shows that when children understand their needs, they’re better able to regulate emotions, build healthy relationships, and develop self-awareness.
The Phoenix Five helps lay the foundation for that understanding... using story, symbolism, and lived experience.
- Created by the authors of the Phoenix Cups® framework
- Loved by parents, teachers, and psychologists alike
- Backed by years of research and real-world experience
Designed for Young Minds. Loved by Grown-up Hearts.
The Phoenix Five is perfect for...
- humans aged 0 to 100+ (yes, really!)
- educators and early childhood professionals
- fans of books like Jo Witek's "In My Heart" and Gabi Garcia's "Listening To My Body"
- anyone who believes children thrive when their needs are understood and met.
Designed for Young Minds. Loved by Grown-up Hearts.
The Phoenix Five is perfect for...
- humans aged 0 to 100+ (yes, really!)
- educators and early childhood professionals
- fans of books like Jo Witek's "In My Heart" and Gabi Garcia's "Listening To My Body"
- anyone who believes children thrive when their needs are understood and met.
MEET THE AUTHORS BEHIND THE PHOENIX FIVE
MEET THE AUTHORS BEHIND THE PHOENIX FIVE
Sandi Phoenix
Sandi founded Phoenix Support for Educators to help make the world better for children – and the grown-ups who care for them. Blending her background in education and psychology, she created The Phoenix Cups® framework, now used by educators worldwide.
Through stories, workshops, and tools, Sandi shares her passion for filling Cups – and this book is her way of bringing heart, wisdom, and a little fun to children and their grown-ups.Sandi Phoenix
Sandi founded Phoenix Support for Educators to help make the world better for children – and the grown-ups who care for them. Blending her background in education and psychology, she created The Phoenix Cups® framework, now used by educators worldwide.
Through stories, workshops, and tools, Sandi shares her passion for filling Cups – and this book is her way of bringing heart, wisdom, and a little fun to children and their grown-ups.
Christopher Phoenix
Christopher is a storyteller, philosopher, and the wellbeing specialist behind the Phoenix Cups®.He co-authored The Phoenix Cups: A Cup Filling Story and now travels far and wide, sharing Cup-filling wisdom through workshops and entertaining keynotes.
Christopher blends deep thinking with big laughs, using fun and curiosity to explore how we can all live more fulfilling lives.Christopher Phoenix
Christopher is a storyteller, philosopher, and the wellbeing specialist behind the Phoenix Cups®.He co-authored The Phoenix Cups: A Cup Filling Story and now travels far and wide, sharing Cup-filling wisdom through workshops and entertaining keynotes.
Christopher blends deep thinking with big laughs, using fun and curiosity to explore how we can all live more fulfilling lives.
Monica Millgate
Monica Millgate is an emerging writer from Canberra, Australia. Her writing journey began at 13 when she received an encouragement award in a Sydney Morning Herald competition—we knew then she was destined for great things.
In 2002, she joined the scriptwriting team for Australia’s very first season of Hi-5 (how cool is that?). Passionate about writing for children, Monica proudly authored Your Mighty Magnificent Mind, a celebration of big feelings, brilliant brains, and boundless potential.Monica Millgate
Monica Millgate is an emerging writer from Canberra, Australia. Her writing journey began at 13 when she received an encouragement award in a Sydney Morning Herald competition—we knew then she was destined for great things.
In 2002, she joined the scriptwriting team for Australia’s very first season of Hi-5 (how cool is that?). Passionate about writing for children, Monica proudly authored Your Mighty Magnificent Mind, a celebration of big feelings, brilliant brains, and boundless potential."What stood out was the underpinning play-based pedagogical approach of the book, that is, complex concepts are presented in a manner that children will be drawn to. For example, the selection of animals as characters, the calming tones/colours, the rhyming nature of the text and the descriptions of each character would support children’s growing understanding of human behaviour. I can envisage children identifying with a character in the book as they associate the character traits in themselves and others."
- Michele Peden, Goodstart Early Learning
"What stood out was the underpinning play-based pedagogical approach of the book, that is, complex concepts are presented in a manner that children will be drawn to. For example, the selection of animals as characters, the calming tones/colours, the rhyming nature of the text and the descriptions of each character would support children’s growing understanding of human behaviour. I can envisage children identifying with a character in the book as they associate the character traits in themselves and others."
- Michele Peden, Goodstart Early Learning
"I love the concept behind this resource. When we look beyond children's behaviours to truly see and respond to their underlying needs, it's not just children who benefit – we as professionals do too. And who better to guide this important discovery than Sandi and Chris Phoenix, who, true to form, have developed a beautiful resource that is researched, thoughtful, heartfelt and full of joy."
- Kaylene Henderson
Child Psychiatrist, Parenting Specialist and trusted training provider for the early years sector"I love the concept behind this resource. When we look beyond children's behaviours to truly see and respond to their underlying needs, it's not just children who benefit – we as professionals do too. And who better to guide this important discovery than Sandi and Chris Phoenix, who, true to form, have developed a beautiful resource that is researched, thoughtful, heartfelt and full of joy."
- Kaylene Henderson
Child Psychiatrist, Parenting Specialist and trusted training provider for the early years sector