About the Book

Toula the Toucan Finds Her Way Home by Maria Kostelas

Today is a special day for Toula the Toucan.

It was the first time her mom allowed her to play with friends who lived far away. Way beyond familiar rivers, trees, and mountains.

Toula has the best day ever singing and playing with her friends “The Four Tweeters” in their own band! But then when it’s time to go home, Toula finds herself alone. She feels afraid.

Do you know what Toula does next?
She sings her favorite song!

“Toula can, you can, we all can!

With this song in her heart, Toula remembers her mother’s wise advice and looks for familiar landmarks that will lead her home. With every twist and turn and bump in the road, Toula learns to keep herself calm, think clearly, and just keep moving forward.

Like anyone who has ever been lost, Toula just wants to go home!

Follow along with this beautiful story as Toula learns some very important lessons about developing great observation skills and becoming more courageous and confident as she finds her way home.

This entertaining and educational adventure will help kids who may get lost find their own way home.

About the Book

Toula the Toucan Finds Her Way Home

This 36-page, full color children’s book will enchant children and their families.

The stunningly vibrant illustrations by Ulises Ramirez perfectly complement the engaging story by Maria Kostelas. Children can enjoy a lively tale that teaches a valuable lesson: look for landmarks to find your own way home. The Spanish translation is printed right next to the original English to enhance dual immersion language instruction.

With Toula the Toucan, Kids will have a fun educational adventure and just like Toula, arrive home safely.

A portion of book sales will help support Kidpower’s work in preventing and healing childhood trauma.

Parent Teacher Resource

“My Never Get Lost Guide”

Just like Toula, you too will be able to find your way home!

Your purchase of “Toula the Toucan Finds Her Way Home” includes this downloadable PDF. Inside the guide are fun ways for you to select your personal landmarks, just like Toula’s mother did for her. Kids can even make their own maps with photos and drawings too!

Parents, teachers, and families can print multiple copies of this guide and give to all the kids in your lives.

About the Author

Maria Kostelas

Author Maria Kostelas has traveled the United States, Mexico and Canada opening new worlds to children in her entertaining and educational adventures. These multicultural programs and performances feature her books and musical instruments including 100 indigenous flutes from her private collection.

Maria has delighted audiences with her tales about cultural traditions used in countries worldwide.  She has been a four time grant recipient from the California Arts Council, has released four books and is an award-winning recording artist.

It’s not surprising that her mission for Toula the Toucan Finds Her Way Home was inspired by her years of experience working with hundreds of children throughout the nation.

Visit mariakostalas.com to learn more about Maria’s other books, music, events, and more.

  • What a vibrant and lovely book!

    I read it to my kids and they loved the engaging photos and positive message of finding your way home. My daughter said she would love a Toula the Toucan stuffy for her bed to remind her of Toula’s song: “Toula can, you can, we all can.”

    The downloadable guide is also excellent for parents and teachers alike to empower and educate kids on the value of awareness, observation, and using landmarks to know where you are and how to get home.

    Highly recommend this book!

    Heidi S.
    Mother of 3

  • This book is a keeper!

    My kids ask me to read it every night, and we love singing the song together. It soothes my anxious mind knowing some tools and strategies to help my kids find their way home should they ever need to.

    Thank you, Maria, for such a powerful and meaningful story and lesson!

    Amanda G.
    Mother of 3

Thank you for being here!

We are all in this together! Sometimes it takes a flock!

I’m passionate about children developing the skills they need to stay safe and to thrive, while having fun just being kids! Writing this book has been a true joy.

I drew inspiration from hearing my mom’s own adventure with a helpful policeman who reunited her with my parents when she was lost at the Chicago’s World Fair. The first stop on my Toula the Toucan book tour at an international cultural festival in Yucatan, Mexico was an experience I will never forget.

I never could have imagined the start of Toula the Toucan books would unfold so beautifully!
I can’t wait to experience what happens next, can you?

Let’s Stay in Touch!

Thank you so much for being here! If you have questions, want to be part of Toula the Toucan’s mission, or just want to say hi, fill out the form below.