Childrens Books for Mental Health Awareness Week

Childrens Books for Mental Health Awareness Week 

May 18-24th 

A list of books to help children with their mental health and also aids parents and schools to start a conversation.

1. Letting Go and No Worries  which are reviewed below are just 2 of a wonderful series to help children with varying mental health issues. 

LETTING GO! BY DR. SHARIE COOMBES & ELLIE O'SHEA

CHILDREN 7+

A mindful activity book to help children come to terms with bereavement and family separation. Children can colour and doodle their way to being happy, calm and confident. They can learn to use creativity to combat negative feelings and understand it's ok to give yourself time to heal and deal with issues. The activities will help children gain a different perspective and allow them to share their feelings. A essential series which demonstrates the healing powers of art.

PB Studio Press £9.99

NO WORRIES! BY LILY MURRAY

CHILDREN 7+

New experiences, such as starting school or changes at home, can be a scary and difficult time for some children and these brilliant books could ease some of those anxiety's. This series is full of accessible and simple mindful techniques to deal with daily stresses and worries. Select from colouring, puzzles or games to combat negative feeling. Full of quirky illustrations which gives the book a playful quality that is not intimidating.

ISBN 9781787410879 PB Studio Press £8.99

ALSO ANOTHER BOOK SIMILAR TO ABOVE WITH ACTIVITIES

THE UNWORRY BOOK BY ALICE JAMES

CHILDREN 8+
We all worry and this illustrated activity book is an essential toolkit that will help remove distress. You can pick from colouring, writing or designing exercises plus a guide to relaxation techniques. Advised by a clinical psychiatrist it explains and demystifies anxiety. It also gives the tools to manage and overcome them especially if someone is having difficulty talking about their feelings. At the same time, it would help to start a conversation if needed and is good for the classroom.

ISBN 9781474950770 HB Usborne £8.99

PICTURE BOOKS TO HELP YOUNG CHILDREN OVERCOME THEIR WORRIES.

WILLY AND THE CLOUD BY ANTHONY BROWNE
PICTURE BOOK 3+
Willy the chimp is being followed by a cloud and its making him very sad. It's ruining his day and getting bigger but how can he get rid of it? This brilliant portrayal of what it feels like to have depression or anxiety shows a young mind how their 'cloud of sorrow' can hold them captive until they realise that it will go by learning to face their fears. A great book to share in the classroom.
ISBN 9781406366969 HB Walker Books £7.99

THE WORRYSAURUS BY RACHEL BRIGHT & CHRIS CHATTERTON

PICTURE BOOK 3+

Worrysaurus has planned a special picnic but before long he starts to worry. What if he hasn't brought enough to eat? What if he gets lost? What if it rains? Can Worrysaurus chase away his fears and still enjoy the day? This charming rhyming story is perfect to share with children and discuss their worries in a light-hearted way. The thought-provoking story and emotionally charged illustrations are a delight and will help relieve youngsters every day concerns.

HB Orchard £6.99

A BOOK FOR OLDER CHILDREN TO HELP DISCUSSION OF MENTAL HEALTH AND UNDERSTANDING

WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH? BY DR LUCY MADDOX

CHILDREN 10+

What are mental health problems? How do we know what's healthy or not? This slim and accessible book will answer a child's questions and more. Written by a clinical psychologist it explores a range of mental health topics and explains how to keep in good mental health. This includes personal stories, the effects of social media and the importance of staying physically fit. An informative book perfect to share for Children's Mental Health Week.

HB Wayland £13.99

My Top Picks: Magical Middle Grade Books

This week I am picking three magnificent magical middle grade reads. All Out Now!!

WILDE BY ELOISE WILLIAMS

CHILDREN 9+

Wilde is forced to live with her aunt in Witch Point and start a new school. She is desperate to fit in but strange things keep happening. Why do birds follow her? How is the legend of the witch called Winter connected to her family? Who is threatening the pupils with curses? Children will love the rebellious Wilde and her quest to find her place in the world. A spookily good adventure that will hold children spellbound. Bewitching.

Firefly PB £6.99

VIPER'S DAUGHTER BY MICHELLE PAVER

CHILDREN 9+

A much anticipated return to the Wolf Brother adventure series. Torak and Renn having being living peacefully in the forest with their pack brother Wolf. But Renn must go in search of the truth of her heritage before she destroys them all. Michell has again created a riveting and atmospheric adventure set in a primitive and feral world. You will love the adventure, the friendship and the poetic description of the worlds along their quest. The author clearly takes a great interest in the natural surround and it is fascinating to read her descriptions of the wilderness as they seek their friends and try to escape evil demons. It can be read as a stand-alone as well as part of the wolf brother series. Highly recommended .

 Head of Zeus HB 12.99 

THE CUT-THROAT CAFE BY NICKI THORNTON

CHILDREN 9+

Seth and his talking cat Nightshade arrive in a magical town of Gramichee to learn magic. But when apprentices are attacked will he be next? Seth always seems to trust the wrong people! I was enchanted by the magical town and its curious shops and intrigued by the cauldron of eccentric characters. This whodunnit will keep you guessing until the end as it casts its spell. Lots of red herrings! This can be read as part of the magical mystery series of a stand alone. Perfect for fans of Harry Potter. 

Chicken House PB £6.99