Shona Innes (text), Irisz Agócs (illus) Worries Are Like Clouds, Five Mile Press, April 2016, 32pp., $14.95 (hbk), ISBN 9781760400712
Shona Innes (text), Irisz Agócs (illus) You are Like You, Five Mile Press, April 2016, 32pp., $14.95 (hbk), ISBN 9781760400729
Australian author Shona Innes is a highly qualified Clinical and Forensic Psychologist whose 25 years of experience working with children is evident in these two attractive picture books for children in the 3 to 8 year old bracket. Using cute animals that look like soft, cuddly toys with personalities, the books explore emotional problems that may burden young children. Worries Are Like Clouds examines how worry can overwhelm us leading to anxiety and depression while You are Like You considers how we are all different and our emotions and feelings help to make us individuals.
The attractive books provide a springboard for discussions about emotions, worries, individuality, body image, self-worth and other important topics. They suggest simple yet positive coping techniques and strategies for children. These include talking about worries, asking for help from friends, breathing deeply and letting go of stress; all of which are valuable and worthwhile skills for children to learn. In a simple and gentle way these texts address the issues of how young children can be healthy and happy both emotionally and mentally.
At the end of each text there is a “A Note to Parents and Teachers from Shona” which explains the topics covered within the book providing a developmental context and rationale for the content. These two books are part of “A Big Hug Book” series of seven titles which deal with similar issues.
Simple language makes the text easy to read and is complemented by Irisz Agócs’ endearing soft watercolour and pencil illustrations. Together they create appealing and useful books that softly and soothingly address mental and emotional health issues in the very young. They will enable and empower a young child to reflect on their life and discover the means and tools to share and solve their problems.
Reviewed by John and Grace Nolan
