Friday Library Recommendations: Wild Woods and Surprising Seeds
I am so excited for our official opening of the Cannon Park Spinney this afternoon, which will be a wonderful learning environment for us all, and we cannot thank Mr. Higgs enough for all of his backbreaking work bringing the vision to life. Every time I have visited it since work began, it has reminded me of the power of trees to calm and steady my soul while igniting my imagination. And so, this week’s theme is wild woods…
My first choice this week is Wild by Katya Balen, a celebration of wildness, both in the natural world and within ourselves.

At the heart of the story is a little girl who finds joy and freedom in the great outdoors. Her world is filled with trees, stars, and the earthy magic of the woods. She runs, climbs, and plays, revelling in the sense of space and the untamed beauty all around her. In the wilderness, she feels completely at home. It’s where she finds peace and imagination, seeing “secrets in the stars and stories in the earth”.
But life changes when the girl moves to the city. Suddenly, she is surrounded by towering buildings, grey concrete, and unfamiliar sounds. The wild places she loved are gone, and with them, a part of herself seems to disappear. She feels lost and alone, disconnected from everything that once made her feel alive. The city feels closed in, quiet in the wrong way – a stark contrast to the lively, natural world she left behind.
Wild is not, however, a story of sadness. It is a journey of rediscovery. Slowly, the girl begins to notice moments of wildness even in the city – in the shapes of the clouds, in patches of grass pushing through the pavement, in a sudden gust of wind. With the help of her imagination and an open heart, she realises that wildness isn’t only found in forests and fields. It can live in memories, in small everyday details, and most importantly, inside herself.
Gill Smith’s illustrations are a perfect complement to the text. Rich with texture and movement, they shift from the lush greens and warm tones of the countryside to the muted greys and blues of the city, before blending the two in a hopeful, heartwarming finale. Her use of colour and contrast helps children visually experience the emotional journey of the story.
Wild is a gentle but empowering reminder that nature, and our own inner wildness, can be found in the most unexpected places. It encourages children to look closely at the world around them and to find beauty and wonder wherever they are, and invites meaningful conversations about belonging, nature, and the power of imagination.
Next, I’ve chosen a fabulous new book by the amazing Andy Shepherd, The Wood Where Magic Grows. Publishing in July (we’re very lucky to have got an early read) it’s a charming, whimsical adventure that celebrates the wonders of the natural world and the power of imagination.

Iggy has recently moved into a new house with his family. At the end of the garden lies Wildtop Wood, a mysterious, overgrown forest that instantly draws him in. Together with his older brother Cal, Iggy begins to explore this tangled wilderness and soon discovers there is far more to it than meets the eye. Faces seem to peer out from the bark of trees, animals behave in curious ways, and whispers hint at a secret magic that is slowly fading.
What makes this book so special is its blend of gentle humour, enchanting atmosphere and emotional depth. Iggy is a wonderfully relatable character; curious, kind, and just a little bit unsure of himself. The bond between him and Cal is beautifully portrayed, showing both the joys and tensions of sibling relationships. As they uncover the secrets of Wildtop Wood, the boys also grow in confidence and understanding, not just of the magical world around them, but of themselves.
Andy Shepherd’s writing is warm and inviting, with lyrical descriptions that bring the forest vividly to life. Readers will delight in the idea that trees might be watching us, or even waiting for someone to notice them….
There’s a strong environmental theme threaded throughout the story, gently encouraging young readers to connect with nature and consider the importance of caring for our green spaces. A perfect pick for budding nature lovers, young explorers, and anyone who believes there might just be a little magic hidden in the trees.
And finally, for our older readers, I’ve picked Bloom by Nicola Skinner, a beautifully written novel bursting with imagination, humour, and heart.

Meet Sorrel Fallowfield, a model pupil who prides herself on her rule-following skills. In fact, she’s so well-behaved that her teachers turn to her for help when they forget the countless rules imposed by her rather joyless school. But Sorrel’s perfectly ordered world is turned upside down when she unearths a mysterious packet of “Surprising Seeds” in her garden. From that moment on, her life begins to sprout, quite literally, into something entirely unexpected.
As Sorrel starts planting the seeds in the most unlikely places, strange things begin to happen. She hears whispering voices, sees unusual sights, and eventually, rather spectacularly, finds flowers growing from her own head. Unsurprisingly, this makes it difficult to win the school’s “Most Obedient Child” competition. But what starts as a chaotic nuisance soon blossoms into something far more meaningful: a rebellion against dull conformity and a celebration of individuality, creativity, and nature.
Nicola Skinner’s storytelling is richly original and wickedly witty. She weaves a story that will captivate young readers, while offering plenty of laughs and some important themes to ponder. At its core, Bloom is a joyful reminder that sometimes the rules are worth breaking, especially when they stifle the natural curiosity and imagination of children.
With its wonderfully eccentric cast of characters and vivid, botanical flair, the book offers a wild ride that’s as meaningful as it is entertaining. It’s a clever, heartfelt, and uproariously funny story that will stay with young readers long after the final petal has fallen.
For lots more reading fun, check out the Summer Newsletter from Kenilworth Books for author events and book signings.
Happy reading!

Wellbeing Wednesday: Caring
Tips for wellness from our Mental Health In Schools Team

Caring
Caring is about looking after the needs of yourself and others. There are lots of ways you can show others that you care, showing kindness, compassion, love, support and being thoughtful.
It is equally important to take time to care for ourselves, sometimes termed ‘self-care’. This can help us to increase our resilience and sense of self-worth. Allowing yourself time to engage in activities you enjoy and make you feel good, along with recognising unkind thoughts and trying to replace these with kinder thoughts can be part of caring for yourself.
Caring for others can help us feel connected, purposeful, and close to those we care for. These things are positive for our mental wellbeing. Can you think of a way you’ve shown care for someone this week?
Everyday millions of people in the UK give additional care to people they know through helping with everyday living tasks. Young Carers may also be responsible for looking after younger brothers and sisters and doing household chores. If you are, or you support a Young Carer, you can find local carers support by following these links:
Our tips for being caring:
- Caring Chain – write down an act of caring they can do for another person or for themselves on a strip of paper. Create a paper chain with each of these strips, by folding and linking them together. This can then be displayed and children can be encouraged to give a new act of caring a go each week.
- Try to identify 3 ways you have been caring towards yourself and 3 ways you have been caring towards others. Then, set a goal for another caring act you can carry out over the following week.
- Take time to practise self-care! Follow this link for some ideas of how you could be kinder to yourself.
Please contact [email protected] for information and advice about mental health and well-being for your child and your family.
Friday Library Recommendations: Mental Health Week
As this week has been Mental Health Week, I have chosen some fabulous books that help us understand what emotions we are feeling and why.
Why Do I Feel Like This? Shinsuke Yoshitake is a warm, witty, and wise picture book that’s as entertaining as it is enlightening.

Everyone knows the struggle of navigating big emotions — especially when they don’t quite have the words to explain how they’re feeling. Why Do I Feel Like This? is a brilliant, funny, and thoughtful exploration of just that.
Told through the eyes of a young girl on her way home in a thoroughly bad mood, the story dives straight into the unpredictable world of childhood feelings. As she trudges along, annoyed and unsure why, her imagination takes over. Could her bad mood be something she caught? Did it come from something she ate? What if she could store her feelings in jars and sort through them later — or even send them off in a rocket?
This clever mix of humour and introspection is where the book really shines. Rather than offering neat solutions or moral lessons, Shinsuke allows his young protagonist to explore every odd and silly idea that pops into her head. It’s a wonderfully relatable portrayal of how children (and adults!) can spiral through emotions without always knowing why.
The illustrations are bold, quirky, and full of character. Every page is packed with visual humour and fantastical scenes that bring the girl’s musings vividly to life. From an emotion menu to a whimsical contraption for filtering out bad moods, the book invites children to laugh while also considering their own emotional experiences.
Offering gentle encouragement for self-reflection, it opens the door for children to think critically and creatively about their emotions. It reassures them that it’s okay to feel angry or sad sometimes, and that those feelings aren’t permanent. By the end of the book, the girl hasn’t magically solved all her problems, but she has learned a little more about herself. In a world that often expects children to be cheerful and resilient without giving them the space to explore what they feel, Why Do I Feel Like This? is a refreshing and necessary read. It invites children to wonder, imagine, and, most importantly, to understand that emotions are just part of being human.
I’ve chosen a graphic novel for our older children, Small Things by Mel Tregonning, a hauntingly beautiful and deeply moving wordless graphic picture book that explores childhood anxiety with rare sensitivity and emotional depth that offers an honest portrayal of the internal struggles many children face, often in silence.

The story follows a young boy who appears to be slowly unravelling under the weight of his worries. He’s having trouble fitting in at school, his academic performance is slipping, and he finds himself becoming short-tempered, even towards the people who care about him. He feels completely alone. But what makes this book so affecting is that not a single word is used to tell his story. Instead, it is told through evocative, monochrome illustrations.
The boy’s anxiety is represented by shadowy, imp-like creatures that follow him everywhere. They cling to his back, crowd around his thoughts, and, most disturbingly, begin to nibble away at pieces of his body – a striking visual metaphor for how anxiety can feel like it’s eating away at one’s sense of self. It’s this imagery that captures the intense, often invisible toll mental health struggles can have on children, and it does so with startling clarity.
As the story progresses, the reader sees the boy slowly reach a breaking point — but then something shifts. Through a quiet act of kindness and connection, he begins to see that he’s not the only one surrounded by these worrying “creatures”. He notices that others, too, carry their own small demons, no matter how confident or put-together they may seem on the outside. This moment of realisation is gentle but transformative. It’s a reminder that we are never truly alone in our struggles, and that opening up can lead to healing.
Small Things offers a unique opportunity to start meaningful conversations about emotional wellbeing. It can be particularly valuable for children who find it difficult to express their feelings verbally. Reading this book together can open the door to discussing what anxiety feels like, how it might show up, and how we can support one another through it.
And finally, I’ve picked Charlie Changes Into A Chicken by Sam Copeland, a laugh-out-loud adventure with a surprising emotional core.

The story centres on Charlie McGuffin, a seemingly ordinary boy with a very extraordinary problem – he changes into animals when he gets anxious. One moment he’s himself, the next he’s a flea, a pigeon, or even a rhino. And the worst part? He has no control over it. His transformations happen at the most inconvenient times, like in the middle of a school play or when he’s trying to avoid the class bully.
While the story is absolutely hilarious (and children will delight in the unexpected animal moments), the book also explores serious issues with sensitivity. Charlie’s life is full of real worries; his older brother is seriously ill in hospital, and his parents are understandably stressed. Charlie tries to stay strong for everyone, bottling up his fears, which leads to the wild animal transformations. It’s a clever metaphor for how emotions can feel overwhelming when children don’t have the words or space to express them.
Despite the fantastical elements, the characters are grounded and relatable. Charlie is supported by a trio of loyal friends, the science-loving Flora, the practical Mohsen, and the hilariously blunt Wogan. Their friendship is a highlight of the book, demonstrating how empathy, humour, and teamwork can make all the difference in difficult times.
In addition to being fun and entertaining, Charlie Changes Into A Chicken subtly encourages children to talk about anxiety and feelings. It normalises the idea that it’s okay to worry, and more importantly, that it’s okay to ask for help. The book’s final message is one of hope, resilience, and the strength of both family and friendship.
Illustrated throughout with lively drawings by Sarah Horne, the book is visually appealing and accessible, even for reluctant readers. A wonderfully funny, thoughtful read that combines magical mayhem with emotional insight.
Happy reading!

Wellbeing Wednesday: Empathy
Tips for wellness from our Mental Health In Schools Team

“Empathy is about standing in someone else’s shoes, feeling with their heart, seeing with their eyes.” Daniel H Pink
Empathy
Empathy means feeling with someone, not just feeling sorry for them. It is one of the best ways to
be a kind friend and a good person. Empathy is not just noticing that someone is happy, sad, or
hurt—you’re trying to understand their feelings from their point of view and responding with
kindness.
Examples of when you could be empathetic:

Our tips for empathy:
- Pay attention to how people look and sound – are they happy, sad, or upset? Look for clues in
their body language to find out how they might be feeling. - Read a book or watch a TV show – pick a character in the book or show and imagine how that
character might feel. Do you think all the characters feel the same? Put yourself in their
shoes! Check out EmpathyLab’s #ReadForEmpathy book collection for ideas of what to read to build empathy. - Empathy drawing – if you like to get creative, you could try drawing a picture of how
someone else might feel in a certain situation (e.g., “a child who has lost their favourite toy”, “a
child who is starting a new school”). - Be kind with actions – even little things help – like sharing, listening, or giving a hug.
- Include everyone – invite others to play, join in, or sit with you. Notice if someone is standing
alone, sitting on a bench, or watching others play. - Kindness cards – consider making cards or notes for family, friends or classmates who might
need a boost!
Please contact [email protected] for information and advice about mental health and well-being for your child and your family.
Friday Library Recomendations: VE Day
Yesterday, we celebrated 80 years since Victory in Europe Day (VE Day). This week, I have chosen books that explain the importance of this day, and shine a spotlight of some of the hidden histories from that day and the lead up to it.
First, I have picked Blitz: One Family’s War by Martin Impey.

This powerful picture book tells the story of a young brother and sister growing up in the East End of London during World War Two. Through their eyes, we experience what it was like to live through the Blitz — from saying goodbye to their dad as he goes off to war, to hurrying into air raid shelters at night, not knowing if their home would still be standing in the morning.
The story is filled with emotion and real-life detail, brought to life by 247 beautiful illustrations. It helps young readers understand how ordinary families lived through extraordinary times, showing bravery, resilience, and the famous “keep calm and carry on” spirit.
This is a touching and thoughtful book that gives us a glimpse into the past — a perfect read for children wanting to learn about World War Two, and understand why VE Day was so celebrated.
Next, I have picked Home Coming: Stories About Coming Home From War, originally published to celebrate the 75th anniversay of VE Day.

This moving and beautifully illustrated collection of short stories marks the 75th anniversary of VE Day through the eyes of those who experienced it. Home Again brings together twelve powerful tales of homecoming at the end of World War Two, written by well-known children’s authors including Bali Rai, Leila Rasheed, Tony Bradman and Jim Eldridge.
Each story offers a different perspective—from a child evacuee returning home, to a Bletchley Park codebreaker, an Indian Army soldier, and even a rebel fighter. The range of voices, including men, women and children from diverse backgrounds, helps bring this important moment in history to life in an accessible and thought-provoking way.
What makes this book particularly special is that every story is followed by a fact file packed with interesting details about the war, giving children the chance to explore the historical context further. I found Bali Rai’s “A Sense Of Home” resonated deeply having learned so much about the Coventry Blitz from my grandparents.
Carefully researched and emotionally resonant, Home Again is an excellent choice for Key Stage Two readers, supporting knowledge of our history while also encouraging empathy and reflection, making it a meaningful addition to any bookshelf.
Finally, being a huge fan of a verse novel, I have chosen Digging For Victory by Cathy Faulkner.

Set in Devon during the Second World War, this powerful and moving story follows 12-year-old Bonnie, who longs to do something important to help the war effort—just like her big brother, Ralph. Instead, she’s expected to stay at home and tend the vegetable patch. But everything changes when a quiet and mysterious man, Mr Fisher, is billeted at their house.
Bonnie is sure he’s hiding something, and she’s determined to find out what. Is he just shy and awkward, or could he be avoiding the war on purpose? Even worse—could he be a German spy?
Told through beautifully crafted verse, which was thoroughly deserving of it’s Carnegie nomination, this gripping story is full of emotion, mystery and adventure. It’s ideal for children in Key Stage 2 who enjoy historical fiction, or for those looking to try something a little different. A truly rewarding read that’s perfect for sparking discussion.
Happy reading!

Wellbeing Wednesday: Challenge
Tips for wellness from our Mental Health In Schools Team

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” Nelson Mandela
Challenges
Throughout our lives we are going to experience different challenges, both big and small. There will be times where these challenges are exciting and maybe other times where challenges could feel scary and uncertain. These different challenges will push us to try new things, build our resilience and teach us new things about ourselves and the world around us.
When taking on challenges, we learn that we can work towards goals, overcome any obstacles and be resilient even when something is difficult. A growth mindset can help us take on new challenges, it builds our confidence to have a go at things, increases our self-esteem and encourages us to keep trying, even if something doesn’t work out the first time!
Our top tips for challenging ourselves:
- Set yourself some goals you would like to reach this time next year (long term goals).
Perhaps these can be things you’ve always wanted to do but never tried before. Break your goals down into medium-term goals and short-term goals (goals you can set to work towards the long-term goal in a few weeks or months). - Ask for help when needed. Challenging ourselves is not about getting through difficult times alone…sometimes we need a helping hand and that is okay!
- Push yourself out of your comfort zone this week. You might want to try a new food, learn a new hobby, start a conversation with a different friend, or put your hand up in a lesson at school. Can you think of a SMART goal you would like to challenge yourself with this week? Click this link to learn more about SMART goals.
- Read books with characters who overcome challenges. What strategies did the characters use to push through them? Click this link to see a list of books that help children build resilience..
ThanksKids recognises the efforts and kindness of children and young people, and thanks them with personalised #NHSStars certificates. If you know a child or young person that deserves recognition for going above and beyond, don’t wait, nominate! [email protected].
Please contact [email protected] for information and advice about mental health and well-being for your child and your family.