My Monster and Me by Nadiya Hussain, illu. by Ella Bailey
Wonderfully heartwarming and confidently crafted, Nadiya has written a touching tale about one little boy and his worry monster. Conveying such a powerful and positive message about opening up and confiding with loved ones, My Monster and Me makes a truly fantastic tool for supporting both children and parents in talking about their worries and anxieties. Accompanied with Ella Bailey's endearing illustrations, this really is an all-round perfect package!
Big Bright Feelings series by Tom Percival
In his brilliant 'Big Bright Feelings' series, Tom Percival uses his signature style to effectively touch on themes surrounding mental and emotional health, positive self-image, building self-confidence and managing feelings. From facing your anxieties in Ruby's Worry, to learning to harbour your anger in Ravi's Roar, to the joys and difficulties in making and keeping friends in his latest picture book, Meesha Makes Friends, Percival never fails to celebrate the importance of always being your brilliant, unique self.
Night Shift by Debi Gliori
Night Shift is, without a doubt, one of the most important, moving and encouraging portraits of depression I have ever read. With very few words, Debi Gliori leaves her haunting, charcoal illustrations and powerful messages to skillfully convey her personal experiences with depression, which in this case is powerfully portrayed through a cloud of black smoke that is born into a dragon. This unique and creative interpretation highlights how powerful, engulfing and scary depression can be, but at the end stresses through the symbol of a feather that there is hope and light on the other side.
Your Mind Is Like the Sky by Bronwen Ballard, illu. by Laura Carlin
An enchanting exploration into mindfulness for children, beautifully symbolised through the sky and weather. Gentle in her approach, Ballard introduces simple yet thoughtful techniques for coping with negative and difficult thoughts and feelings, whilst communicating a heartfelt reassurance to her readers. For a child's first book of mindfulness it's a beautifully effective and valuable one, but the 'notes for grown-up readers' at the back of the book, including tips on mindfulness and extra resources are essential for developing an open and honest communication on the subject between adult and child.