An insightful look at everyday changes and milestones - loss of jobs, failing relationships, new responsibilities such as caring for others and parenthood, bereavement etc. together with tips and techniques for how best to cope with the emotions and fears that arise when faced with these changes. The author is a leading psychotherapist who has worked with the NHS and in private practice for more than 30 years.
All of these titles are readily available and many are in stock at the Primrose Hill Bookshop. Do consider supporting our local bookshop by purchasing books from them.
Me and My Fear by Francesca Sanna £12.99 3-7 years.
An illustrated story book for young children which stresses the importance of sharing fears and emphasises the fact that everyone has them.
The Unworry Book by Alice James for 5+ years £8.99
Written with the help of a psychotherapist, this is practical book for writing in and colouring which includes tips for calming down, putting worries to one side etc. Links to a useful website.
Two books by Molly Potter, an ex teacher and PSHE co-ordinator, who deals sensitively with emotional literacy in young children, especially boys. Helpful notes for parents are included:
It's OK to Cry by Molly Potter £10.99 - a picture book to help children to talk about their feelings
How Are You Feeling Today? by Molly Potter £10.99 - Bestselling title which helps parents and children to explore emotions and to talk about ways of dealing with them. Also available as an activity book at £5.99
Mindful Kids by Dr. Sharie Coombes ( a primary school teacher who re-trained as a child and family psychotherapist). This is a series of inter-active, self-care activity books for children of 7+ in paperback @£9.99 each
Examples include:
No Worries! For children who sometimes feel anxious or stressed.
Be Brave! For those who sometimes feel scared or afraid.
Be Positive! For those who want to feel more self-confident.
Letting go! For those who need support through loss, change, disappointment or grief.
Making Friends A Book about First Friendships £12.99
A picture book for 5 -8 years who might be anxious about friendship at a new school - or meeting friends they haven't seen for a while.
All the Ways To Be Smart by Davina Bell £7.99
A really joyful picture book for 5 - 8 year olds which celebrates all the many different forms of emotional intelligence - saying hello when feeling shy, making up games to play when alone, taking chances, asking questions etc.
I Am, I Can - 365 Affirmations for Kids by Wynne Kinder £10.99 for children aged 6 - 9 years
This is a really useful, positive book with an entry for every day - all about building resilience and self esteem, being motivated and mindful, with lots of inspirational ideas from young people such as Greta Thunberg.
Starving the Anxiety Gremlin - two activity books, one for younger children aged 5- 9 and one for young people 12+ which show how using CBT techniques can combat and manage anxiety. £12.99 each
Happy Confident Me by Naim Saad and Annabel Rosenhead @ £9.99 for 7 - 12 year olds
A useful book of tips and exercises to build self esteem and confidence and combat anxiety.
50 Ways to Feel Happy: Fun activities and ideas to build your happiness skills by Vanessa King £9.99
A terrific activity book to enable children of 7+ to build well-being skills for life.
The Truth Pixie by Matt Haig - a novel about learning to love yourself and facing your fears £9.99
Blame my Brain: The Amazing Teenage Brain Revealed by Nicola Morgan £7.99
An accessible and often funny book for young teens which explores the biology and science of their changing brains and helps them to understand why they are feeling low or moody, experiencing heightened emotions or depression. and needing to sleep at all the wrong times.
Positively Teenage: A Positively Brilliant Guide to Teenage Well-Being by Nicola Morgan £7.99 -
Shows readers how to get the best from their teenage years - full of ideas on how to cope with a range of challenges, practical tips on growing more independent etc - lots of fun quizzes.
The Teenage Guide to Friends by Nicola Morgan £7.99 -
Deals with peer group problems, learning about different personality traits and how stress and anxiety affect people differently, how to make and keep friends, strategies to help persevere through difficult periods.
Sex, Likes and Social Media : Talking to our Teens in the Digital Age by Allison Harvey and Deana Puccio £12.99
Top tips, stats and conversation-starters for parents looking for tools with which to open up dialogues on the challenges posed by the digital landscape which are facing today's young people.
It's Not OK to feel Blue and Other Lies - Inspirational People Open Up about their Mental Health - curated by Sarlett Curtis £14.99
A wonderfully honest collection of pieces by a wide range of contributors.
Mind Your Head by Juno Dawson & Olivia Hewitt £7.99
A clear, supportive guide for young people about a whole range of mental health issues from depression and anxiety to addiction and self-harm with lots of life stories. Includes advice and tips from clinical psychologist Dr. Olivia Hewitt.
You are Awesome: Find your confidence and dare to be brilliant at (almost) anything by Matthew Syed £9.99 10 +
An uplifting, inspiring book about achieving your goals - whatever they are- by the life coach and sportsman.
Dare to be You: Defy self- doubt, fearlessly follow your own path and be confidently You! by Matthew Syed £9.99 -
An introduction for children aged 10+ to ideas of empowerment and diverse thinking. A mix of hilarious text, stylish illustrations, personal insights and real-life examples.
Yes You Can : Ace exams without Losing Your Mind by Natasha Devon £9.99
A brilliantly funny book by the esteemed mental health campaigner who shows teenagers how to identify their learning style, manage stress and time, and make simple changes to form positive, mindful learning habits.
Mood Prep 101 - A Parent's Guide to Preventing Depression and Anxiety in College-bound Teens by Carol Landau £12.99
A comprehensive resource for parents of children on the brink of adulthood and about to leave home for college or university.
This Book Will Change Your Mind about Mental Health by Nathan Filer £9.99
A compassionate and witty exploration of the world of psychiatry which debunks myths, challenges assumptions and offers fresh insight into what it means to be mentally ill.
This too Shall Pass: Stories of Change, Crisis and Hopeful Beginnings by Julia Samuel £14.99