A little weird. A lot of heart.
And built by someone who’s been where you are.
Plum isn’t a lesson plan. He’s a presence. A purple, wiggly reminder that kids don’t need to be fixed — they need to feel seen, safe, and understood.
These stories are written by therapist and dad Timothy Gordon, using the same evidence-based principles he’s taught around the world to help families navigate emotions, connection, and change. But Plum doesn’t teach. He shows up. He listens. He makes a mess. And somewhere in the chaos, something beautiful lands.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or therapist, Plum gives you stories that spark real conversations and leave space for kids to be wonderfully themselves.
What to Know ABout Plum
Why Plum Works?
Created by a registered social worker, award-winning author, and ACT expert Timothy Gordon, Plum helps children build emotional flexibility — the ability to feel what they feel without being ruled by it. These stories don’t offer quick fixes. They model how to stay with hard moments, ask good questions, and stay connected.
How do these stories help with emotional development?
Plum doesn’t fix feelings. He notices them. Stays with them. Laughs at the weird parts. And gently models what emotional flexibility looks like. These stories create space for kids to talk about what’s going on inside without pressure.
Do these stories follow a specific method or approach?
Yes! Plum's stories are rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a research-backed psychological approach used to support emotional flexibility, self-acceptance, and identity development. But the stories are never didactic or explainers. They reflect ACT processes through character experiences, not instructions.
Is this religious or values-based content/storytelling?
Nope. Plum honors emotional truth and human experience. There’s room for all identities, beliefs, and family structures here. The only thing Plum really believes in? Snacks. And love.
What ages are these books for?
Plum stories are best for kids ages 5–9. They work beautifully as read-alouds for younger kids, and independent readers 7+ often enjoy them on their own. The humor, emotional nuance, and layered storytelling make them especially great for sensitive, intense, or imaginative kids.
Can I use these stories in a classroom or therapy session?
Absolutely! Many educators, school counselors, and child therapists use Plum stories to open up emotional conversations, normalize big feelings, and offer creative entry points into discussions around fear, sadness, anger, or transition. They pair well with social-emotional learning (SEL) goals.
Who is Plum really for?
Plum is for any child who’s ever felt too much, too fast, or too big inside. Many kids (and grown-ups) see themselves in Plum’s playful misunderstandings, sensory quirks, and deep questions. He is deeply inclusive without ever being labeled. He’s not here to represent anyone. He’s here to be with everyone.
How can I support a child using Plum?
Read with them. Laugh with them. Let them ask weird questions. You don’t have to explain every metaphor — just be there. Plum stories are designed to open a door. You walk through it together.