mental-health – Book Craic

*Written by Manon* *Steffan Ros*
*Cover Illustration by Cynthia Paul*
Published by *Firefly Press*

Me and Aaron Ramsey is a heartachingly tender and hopeful story of a football-loving family facing hardships and dealing with difficult changes in their lives.

Sam loves football, both playing and watching. He may not be the best footballer, but it is clearly a passion for him, his family and friends, something that unites them. Whilst his dad is a hero to Sam, he also has another hero, Aaron Ramsey, so when he gets the opportunity to attend a friendly match between Wales and England in a few months to see him play, Sam is overjoyed and immensely looking forward to it.

Life at home is not always easy for Sam and his family so he turns to his love of football, and in particular his hero-worship of Aaron Ramsey, to help him deal with increasing arguments between his mum and dad. But then, his dad gets offered his dream – the opportunity to play for a professional football team, and an opportunity that brings the family closer together. However, when something terrible occurs that shatters his dad’s footballing dreams, the family must learn to adapt to the changes and difficulties they face, or be pulled apart by them.

I must admit that I am not a football fan (except when Ireland plays in the World or European Cup), but that didn’t matter in the slightest when reading this heartfelt story of a family coming to terms with a difficult situation with so much strength and love. It gives a powerful insight into family relationships – the things families keep hidden and what they present to others. The relationship between Sam and his dad as they deal with difficult changes is movingly portrayed.

This is a story that deals with some important issues such as illiteracy, financial worries, mental health and physical disability and their affect upon family relationships. It is also a story of hope, of support, of change, of heroism and of the joy of a shared passion.

A gorgeously told heartfelt story of family, friendship and football that is perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Firefly Press for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

*Written by Becky Goddard-Hill*
*Illustrated by Assia Ieradi*
*Published by Collins*

How I Feel: 40 wellbeing activities for kids is a beautifully illustrated and presented book of activities which will support parents and teachers in helping young children of 4+ talk about, and understand, their feelings. I think it’s also perfect for older children to use independently to promote their own well-being, regulate emotions and to encourage empathy for others.

The book introduces children to the wonderful range of animal characters (who are also on the front cover) who will be with them throughout the book which I think is a fantastic way to make young children feel comfortable, safe and secure as they complete a range of activities.

The book is divided into five areas with an opening section on activities which will help children practise identifying and talking about feelings followed by sections on activities to promote feelings of happiness, kindness, calmness and bravery. I really liked that each section has its own colour which matches the colour on the introductory page, making it easily accessible to children who are ready to use the book more independently, especially having already been introduced to the activities by an adult.

Each activity is clearly introduced and presented on a double page in large font with interaction from the expressive animal characters throughout. There are also ‘For grown-ups’ boxes throughout which gives advice for adults completing the activities with children. Children can enjoy a wide range of activities including playing animal charades, making a nature face, taking part in animal yoga, feeding a worry monster and doing the cushion walk – activities to help them become happier, kinder, calmer and braver.

Emotional regulation can be incredibly difficult for both younger and older children, so I think a book which gives children some ways to cope with a range of emotions is a much-needed and powerful resource. I can definitely see many of these activities being used not only at home but in schools to promote emotional well-being and regulation.

This is a book filled with so much positivity and simple, yet powerful activities, that is such a valuable resource (for parents, carers and teachers) for promoting well-being in young children. As a Year 6 teacher, I can absolutely see the benefits of many of these activities for older children both to promote their own well-being, emotional regulation and self-esteem as well as to build empathy.

Thank you to Lorraine Keating and Collins for a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.