Traditional Chinese painting scene from the childrens book Little Helper by Regina Linke showing people cooking in a kitchen

Coming May 5, 2026

Little Helper

A beautifully woven story sharing the Taoist principle of flowing with life's obstacles in order to resolve them

Book cover of 'Little Helper' by Regina Linke with a child on an ox and a tree with a kite in the background.
Ah-Fu isn't allowed to help, but maybe he doesn't need permission after all . . . .

It’s a beautiful day in Ah-Fu’s village, and all he wants to do is fly his kite, ride in his grandfather’s oxcart, and have a picnic. But a tangled string, a busy cousin, a fallen tree, and more threaten to ruin Ah-Fu’s chances of enjoying this perfect day with the people he loves.
 
Can little Ah-Fu come up with creative ways to help his friends and family, or will his plans for a nice day be ruined?
 
Inspired by traditional Chinese philosophy and told alongside gorgeous illustrations, this modern fable encourages readers of all ages to use inventive problem-solving strategies and lend a helping hand where they can.

Preorder now

Your Preorder Bonus

Preorder your signed copy from Martin House Books*, and receive an additional illustrated handbook!

This bonus handbook expands on Little Helper in the context of Taoism and one of its most important principles: wu wei. Meaning "effortless action," wu wei plays an important role in flowing with life's obstacles.

The handbook is a perfect supplement and discussion guide for parents, librarians, teachers -- or anyone who would enjoy a deeper exploration into the story and the ideas that shaped it.

*Please note only books preordered from Martin House Books will include this bonus feature. Questions? Email regina@oxherdboy.org.

Traditional Chinese painting from the children's book Little Helper by Regina Linke showing a man and a boy eating sticky rice with a grazing ox in the background
Traditional Chinese painting from the childrens book Little Helper by Regina Linke showing a boy, an ox, and a bird in a country landscape
Traditional Chinese painting scene from the childrens book Little Helper by Regina Linke showing people cooking in a kitchen

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