Anxiety-based school avoidance is a very real problem for a lot of children, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. In Jellybean, many families will relate to the challenges faced by both Ellie and her parents as they try to get to the bottom of her worries and work out the best way forward.
Ellie Bean (nicknamed Jellybean) is struggling to go to school. She feels she needs to say everything is fine but it’s just a lie. She’s overwhelmed by worries which started small then grew and now seem to consume her. Secondary school is so different from primary. There isn’t one big problem she can put her finger on, just anxiety and being unable to face the day. It feels impossible but she can’t explain why.
Fortunately for Ellie, her school and her parents are incredibly understanding and patient. They treat her with great care and are willing to work at her pace to reintegrate her into school. Work is sent home and an Education Welfare Officer comes to visit. Ellie is never made out to be naughty or in trouble for being unable to go to school. Schools could use this as a positive example of how to work with children and families to support extreme anxiety.
Ellie’s parents’ point of view is honest and real. They want to help her but don’t know how. Surely, there must be a reason for her school avoidance: lessons that are too difficult or a bully causing problems. With no specific answer, they struggle to know what to do. A visit to the GP is helpful with recommendations of a counsellor and looking after herself by eating and sleeping well. Ellie’s doctor is willing to refer her to CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) and the reality of the horrendous waiting list is shared. Eventually, a private therapist is able to help.
Jellybean is a powerful story for children who have experienced anxiety about school. Whether they’ve actually stayed away from school for long periods or pushed through stressful, teary mornings when leaving the house is so hard, it shows them they are not alone. For children who do not have first-hand experience of these sorts of worries, this book is hugely empathy-building. Hopefully, it will inspire them to reach out to those who appear to be struggling and keep in touch with classmates who aren’t able to attend school. Jellybean could also be a very supportive resource for families. Schools, GPs and Education Welfare Officers will be able to recommend this book to parents who are looking after anxious young people.
Barrington Stoke can always be relied on to create entertaining, meaningful, empathy-filled stories that are accessible and empowering for readers. With dyslexia-friendly font, spacing and page tint, everyone can enjoy these books. The manageable length and carefully chosen vocabulary encourages success and brings children back for more.
Find out more about these other books by Eve Ainsworth:
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