Toula&Toula complete title
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MAGICAL SHOES. ANCIENT GREECE. MODERN HEROES.

Meet Taki & Toula: Two regular kids who time travel back to help the Greek gods become the legends we know today — one hilariously imperfect adventure at a time. A laugh-out-loud early reader series for ages 6–8, blending mythology, time travel, and big life lessons in every colorful page.

Is your early reader ready for "big kid" books but still needs engaging pictures and shorter chapters?

You know the challenge. They've outgrown picture books but chapter books feel too intimidating. They're ready for more complex stories but still need visual support to stay engaged.

Here's what's really happening: Your child isn't too old for pictures — they just need the right kind of bridge between picture books and full chapter books. They're craving stories that respect their growing independence while still offering the visual engagement they love.

Most early reader books are either too babyish (talking animals learning to share) or too serious (dry historical facts). What if there was something that combined adventure, humor, and meaningful life lessons — all wrapped up in a time-traveling package that makes learning feel like play?

That's exactly what Taki & Toula delivers.

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Step Back in Time to Ancient Greece

Taki and Toula are just two regular Greek kids — until they stumble upon a pair of magical tsarouhia (traditional shoes) that launch them back to Ancient Greece!

But here's the twist: the gods they meet aren't exactly heroic... yet. Zeus has a terrible temper and wants to bully his way to power. Athena doubts herself and doesn't think she can win against Poseidon. Hercules? He's scared stiff of a bull. And Hades refuses to play fair with anyone.

It's up to Taki and Toula to help each legendary figure grow into their heroic selves — with a little creativity, courage, and a lot of laughs. But can two modern kids really change history? And what happens when they realize that being a hero isn't about being perfect — it's about choosing to do the right thing, even when it's scary?

These aren't just retellings of old myths — they're fresh adventures that show kids how legends are really made: one brave choice at a time.

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Book 1: Hercules Finds His Courage

Hercules may be big and strong, but he’s terrified of the Cretan Bull. Can Taki and Toula help him find his courage and take the first step toward heroism?

Theme: Bravery & self-belief

🔸 Greek figure: Hercules

1Hercules
Early Reader Perfect for Kids ages 5-7

Book 2: Athena Finds Her Confidence 

Athena doesn’t think she can win a city-naming contest against Poseidon. Can Taki and Toula help her believe in herself and share her gifts with the world?

Theme: Confidence & inner wisdom

🔸 Greek figures: Athena & Poseidon

Book 3: Zeus Tames His Temper 

Zeus is ready to bully his way into power. Can Taki and Toula teach him to lead with fairness — not fury?

Theme: Emotional regulation & fairness

🔸 Greek figures: Zeus, Hades, Poseidon

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4Hades

Book 4: Hades Learns To Be Fair 

Hades has taken Persephone to the Underworld and won’t let her leave. Can Taki and Toula help him see that being fair is more powerful than being in control?

Theme: Justice & empathy

🔸 Greek figures: Hades, Persephone, Hermes

Book 5: Aphrodite Finds Her Inner Beauty 

When Aphrodite loses her outer beauty, she believes she has nothing left to offer. Can Taki and Toula help her discover the true magic of inner beauty?

Theme: Self-worth & authenticity

🔸 Greek figure: Aphrodite

5Aphrodite

KIDS love Taki & Toula because...

🔸 Time-traveling adventures with kids just like them who solve real problems

🔸 Full-color illustrations that support reading without feeling babyish

🔸 Hilarious moments that make mythology accessible and fun

🔸 Heroes who aren't perfect, just like them

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PARENTS love Taki & Toula because...

🔸 Perfect bridge between picture books and chapter books

🔸 Meaningful life lessons woven naturally into entertaining stories

🔸 Age-appropriate introduction to Greek mythology with beautiful illustrations

🔸 Books that respect their child's growing independence while offering visual support

EDUCATORS love Taki & Toula because...

🔸 Ideal for guided reading groups and independent practice

🔸 Cross-curricular connections to history, mythology, and social-emotional learning

🔸 Builds reading confidence with manageable length and engaging content

🔸 Perfect for discussing character development and problem-solving

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Testimonials Section

💝 What Parents & Kids Are Saying

My kids loved this story about two time-travelling kids and a scaredy-cat Hercules... My 5-year-old was interested in the fact that the adult character was scared. I think we'll come back to this book again and again for Toula's wise words - 'Having courage means you do something, even when you're scared.
My 8 year old daughter was able to relate that bravery & courage come from believing in YOURSELF... She was able to grasp the main message in the book along with other messages that were not so directly spoken... They are not only fun to read but also educational.
Elena Paige does a marvelous job in weaving in interesting information about Greece without becoming preachy... It is also a good choice for parents who want to read stories to their kids. I can't wait to see where Taki & Toula go next!

Available Everywhere Books Are Sold

Find Taki & Toula in: Paperback, Hardcover, and eBook formats
Perfect for: Independent reading, guided reading groups, family read-alouds
Reading Level: Designed specifically for emerging independent readers (ages 6-8)


Ready to launch your early reader into their next big adventure?

Join thousands of families who've discovered that the perfect bridge between picture books and chapter books isn't just about reading level — it's about finding stories that respect your child's growing independence while delivering meaningful lessons and visual engagement.

Your emerging reader deserves adventures that make them feel capable, confident, and excited to keep turning pages.

Let Taki and Toula show them the way back through time — and forward into a love of reading.

[Yes, I Want My Child to Love Independent Reading — Start with Book 1]