It’s World Mental Health Day, and to celebrate the occasion we’re putting the spotlight on our new and bestselling mental health books, covering important topics such as body image, depression, anger, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders and self-harm. We’ve put together a series of free extracts from our specialist children’s books in this post, focusing on issues that young people may face with their mental health.
You can purchase any of the books featured in this blog, plus many more, at 10% off using the code ANX at the checkout until the end of October. Click here to see all the books in our collection that are discounted to celebrate World Mental Health Day!
Body Image and Eating Disorders
Banish Your Body Image ThiefThis imaginative workbook is full of activities and strategies to build a positive body image. Using cognitive behavioural techniques, it shows how to banish negative thoughts and feelings and build self-esteem, positive beliefs and a healthy body image. Suitable for young people aged 10+ to work through alone or with a parent or practitioner.
Click here to read an extract.
Can I Tell You About Eating Disorders?
Alice invites readers to learn about how anorexia nervosa affects her daily life, and introduces Beth who has bulimia nervosa, Sam who has selective eating problems, Francesca who has functional dysphagia and Freddie who has food avoidance emotional disorder. They explain why they find food difficult and how their conditions are different.
Click here to read an extract.
Trauma and Anxiety
The Simple Guide to Child Trauma
Full of helpful information and advice, this is the perfect introduction to child trauma for any adult caring for or working with a child who has experienced trauma. It explains what trauma is, how it affects children and what adults can do to facilitate recovery.
Click here to read an extract.
Starving the Anxiety GremlinThis engaging workbook helps young people aged 10+ understand and manage anxiety. Based on cognitive behavioural therapy principles, the activities will help young people understand why they get anxious and how to use simple, practical techniques to manage and control their anxiety. Suitable to work through alone or with a parent or practitioner.
Click here to read an extract.
Terian Koscik describes in graphic form her grapples with anxiety, and how seeking help through a therapist allowed her to come to terms with her anxious feelings. Funny and daringly honest, it will strike a chord with anyone who has been affected by anxiety.
Click here to read an extract.
Self-harm and Depression
Self-Harm and Eating Disorders in Schools
With steadily increasing incidences of self-harm and eating disorders among students and long waiting lists for specialised support, schools have a more active role than ever in supporting young people with these issues. This guide provides information and guidance on how to help students from whole-school policies to day-to-day strategies.
Click here to read an extract.
Exploring Depression, and Beating the Blues
Understand depression and how to cope with this self-help guide designed specifically for individuals on the autism spectrum. It includes a 10-stage CBT self-help programme with self-assessment tools and activities.
Click here to read an extract.
Using Poetry to Promote Talking and Healing
Poetry can be a great way to get people talking about difficult issues around mental health. This book is a complete guide to using poetry for this purpose. It includes a collection of over 100 poems written by the author with accompanying activities, as well as a 50 prompts to encourage clients to write their own poems.
Click here to read an extract.
The Princess and the FogThis vibrantly illustrated story is designed to be read with children aged 5-7 who are suffering from depression. Using metaphor and full of humour, it is a relatable, enjoyable and positive read for all.
Click here to read an extract.
Bereavement and Anger
Starving the Anger GremlinThe anger gremlin feeds off anger and gets bigger the angrier you get. The only way to stop him is to starve him of angry feelings, and this workbook teaches you how. Fun and simple activities help young people to understand and control their anger. Based on cognitive behavioural therapy principles, it is an ideal anger management resource.
Click here to read an extract.
Is Daddy Coming Back in a Minute?
Alex is only three when his father suddenly suffers a massive heart attack. All on his own, he manages to get help, but his beloved Daddy dies at the scene. Completely honest and written in Alex’s own words, this book tells the story of how his mum helps him understand what happened.
Click here to read an extract.
Billy Bramble and the Great Big Cook Off
Billy Bramble is the King, the President and the Emperor of Bad Lucksville. His life is full of problems, all caused by his invisible angry dog Gobber who gives him brain mash and breaks things. Billy wants to do well, but can he escape the slobbering jaws of Gobber and triumph in his school’s Great Big Cook Off? Let’s find out…
Click here to read an extract.
Luna’s Red HatCharmingly-illustrated, this storybook follows a girl called Luna, whose mother died a year ago. It is designed to be read with children aged 6+ who have been bereaved by suicide to help them cope with their difficult feelings. The book also includes a guide for parents and professionals by grief expert, Dr Riet Fiddelaers-Jaspers.
Click here to read an extract.
To see more of our books for children, please click here. To see more of our books on mental health, please click here.