Not everything is easy in the life of a child. Like adults, children go through difficult periods, but they lack the communication skills to articulate everything they feel. Caillou's experiences are an attempt to translate the inner life of a child and his varied and sometimes contradictory feelings.

In this very specific slant, the texts approach problems and conflicts typical of child development from a child's point of view. By encouraging communication between parent and child, the Caillou books help parents deal with subjects that could otherwise become sources of frustration for children and grown-ups.