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… Continue reading Jellybean by Eve Ainsworth & Theo Parish
Me and My Brian is another entertaining and enriching story from Helen Rutter. Exploring the impact of family stress on relationships and mental health, it provides readers with very real strategies for dealing with an overactive brain that threatens to get the better of them. Josh has always had a mixed relationship with his brain… Continue reading Me and My Brian by Helen Rutter
The Boy Who Cried Ghost is a one-of-a-kind story of finding inner strength and recognising what's worth fighting for. Richard has moved with his mum to his grandmother's old house. Neither of them want to live there but when Mum inherited it and they had to move quickly, it seemed like the best option. The… Continue reading The Boy Who Cried Ghost by Ian Eagleton
I've had the privilege of reading an Australian edition of The Bravest Word by Kate Foster. It is one of the most powerful, honest books I have ever read. Addressing mental health, anxiety and depression in young people through the beautiful story of a boy and his dog, it helps children to recognise symptoms in… Continue reading The Bravest Word by Kate Foster
Sarah Ann Juckes' middle grade novel, The Night Animals, is a beautiful exploration of our determination to always be strong and "fine", even when faced with difficult circumstances. Through gentle story-telling that shimmers with hope, readers see that everyone needs help sometimes and come to understand what it really means to be strong. Nora's mum… Continue reading The Night Animals by Sarah Ann Juckes
I sat down to make a start on A Flash of Fireflies and ended up reading the entire thing. I was completely drawn in by the magic and mystery of this unique story - a completely enchanting twist on fairy tales, forests and witches. Hazel's world is turned upside-down. Sent on her own from Kuwait… Continue reading A Flash of Fireflies by Aisha Bushby
Merrylegs is the most beautiful story of self-belief and learning to live with a positive attitude. Pam Smy’s engaging illustrations and text draw the reader in. The emotions of the story are clear and readers will quickly become friends with this magnificent horse. Living life as a riding school horse, Merrylegs is sad. He never… Continue reading Merrylegs by Pam Smy
We've just recognised Mental Health Awareness Week (18 - 24 May 2020) and I'm pleased to have been able to write an article for True Education Partnerships about my recommendations for books to help build resilience in children. They are all gorgeous books and so lovely to share with your children. Follow the link to… Continue reading Books to Build Resilience
Scope for Imagination 