Tips for wellness from our Mental Health In Schools Team
“Kindness is not weakness; it is strength wrapped in grace,” – Anonymous
Strength
Each of us has a unique set of strengths and abilities that help us face life’s challenges. Focusing on your strengths doesn’t mean ignoring your weaknesses — it means using what you’re naturally good at to help you grow, build confidence, and work through tough times. In doing so, you move closer to living a more fulfilling and resilient life.
Our Tips for strength:
Appreciate your strength – when you experience a difficult time, it’s easy to forget how strong you are! Try and remember other times in your life when you’ve got through something challenging. Remember how strong you were to get through those circumstances and know you have the strength to get through other difficulties too.
Remind yourself “all we can do is try our best” and “you are good enough”.
Being kind to others can help build our own strength as well as others! As a class, have a go at playing ‘kindness bingo’ by following this link: School Of Kindness
Take Time to Rest and Recharge – your mind needs breaks just like your body. Take a few quiet minutes to breathe, read, draw, or go outside. That helps your brain feel strong and calm.
Ask for Help When You Need It – being strong doesn’t mean doing everything alone. It’s smart and brave to ask for help – that’s how we grow and learn!
Please contact [email protected] for information and advice about mental health and well-being for your child and your family.
Arrr, today be International Talk Like a Pirate Day, me hearties, so this week’s theme be none other than pirates, aye!
For our youngest children, I’ve chosen Give Me Back My Bones by Kim Norman, illustrated by Bob Kolar, where pirates, skeletons, and science all come together in a delightfully clever and educational adventure that’s perfect for young readers.
Told in bouncy, rhyming verse, this book follows the misadventures of a shipwrecked pirate skeleton who’s on a mission to find his missing bones. From his mandible to his metatarsals, he hunts high and low beneath the waves, reuniting each bone with a joyful cry of recognition. Children are invited along on this underwater scavenger hunt, learning real anatomical terms in a way that’s playful and completely unintimidating.
The text is wonderfully read-aloud friendly; perfect for storytime at home or in the classroom. Younger children will enjoy the rhythm and humour, while slightly older ones might delight in learning the proper names of body parts (and perhaps surprising their teachers or parents with their new knowledge!).
The illustrations by Bob Kolar are bold, cheerful, and cartoonish, making the skeletal subject matter feel fun rather than frightening. There’s nothing spooky here, just a friendly, expressive skeleton trying to put himself back together with a bit of pirate flair.
Endpapers featuring labelled bones at the front and a full skeleton at the back extend the learning even further, making this not just a storybook, but a mini anatomy lesson in disguise. A funny, fact-filled treasure that brings bones, and learning, to life. Ideal for curious minds and pirate fans alike!
My next choice is Pirate Stew by Neil GAiman, illustrated by Chris Riddell. If you’re looking for a story that’s packed with imagination, rhyme, and just the right amount of silliness, Pirate Stew is a perfect pick. Written by the brilliant Neil Gaiman and brought to life by the whimsical illustrations of Chris Riddell, this picture book is a joyful romp from start to finish.
The story begins with two children being left at home with a rather unexpected babysitter; Long John McRon, Ship’s Cook, who just happens to be a pirate. Before long, their quiet evening turns into an extraordinary escapade full of flying pirate ships, doughnut feasts, and, of course, the mysterious (and magical) pirate stew.
Told in rollicking rhyme, Neil’s text is a delight to read aloud, with repeating verses that children will quickly want to join in with. It’s the kind of book that invites laughter, silliness, and a bit of pirate roleplay — perfect for winding down after a busy school day or adding some fun to a rainy weekend afternoon.
Chris Riddell’s artwork adds an extra layer of humour and wonder, with expressive characters and richly detailed scenes that reward repeat readings. The illustrations are bold, colourful, and full of hidden treasures for curious eyes to spot.
Whether your child is pirate-obsessed or just loves a funny tale, this is a fantastic addition to any bookshelf. It’s a book to be read, shared, and enjoyed again and again. A funny, fantastical feast for young imaginations. Aarrrr-mazing!
And for our oldest Children, I’ve picked The Voyage Of Sam Singh by Gita Ralleigh, a gripping, imaginative adventure full of heart, danger, and magic, perfect for fans of fantasy, mystery, and courageous heroes. This is the second book in Gita Ralleigh’s enchanting middle-grade series, set in a richly imagined, parallel version of colonial India.
Twelve-year-old Sam Singh is a land-pirate with a mission: to rescue his older brother, Moon, who vanished three years ago and is rumoured to be trapped in the Octopus, a terrifying, inescapable prison on the mysterious Isle of Lost Voices.
With only a suspicious scientist, Professor Bogusz, and a loyal parrot named Suka for company, Sam sets sail on a perilous journey across stormy seas and into the unknown. On the island, they meet Lola, a fierce and clever forest guide, and together they brave wild landscapes full of secrets and spirits. But time is running out, and the Octopus looms closer with every step.
Gita’s writing is lyrical, atmospheric and packed with vivid detail. The story blends folklore, fantasy, and real-world themes of colonialism and resistance, while never losing pace or heart. Sam is a brave and relatable hero, and young readers will be swept along by his determination, loyalty and courage.
This is an ideal read for upper primary children who enjoy rich storytelling, bold characters, and a world unlike any other. A thrilling, magical quest full of danger, discovery, and hope, The Voyage of Sam Singh is an unforgettable journey for curious minds and brave hearts.
Tips for wellness from our Mental Health In Schools Team
Mind And Body
“Your mind is like a garden. With care, it will bloom beautifully” – Unknown
Just as we look after our physical health, it’s important to look after our mental health. In fact, the two are closely connected!
Most of us will know what it’s like to feel worried, stressed or low from time to time. We might be affected by our relationships with friends and classmates or things we see on the news, and we might feel worried about school or our home lives (this is understandable!) Recognising how our mind health and physical health work together can keep us mentally healthy.
Our Tips for looking after your Mind and Body:
To ensure a healthy mind and body, why not try some of the activities below? Can you choose one from each category?
Physical– healthy eating with plenty of water, time away from technology and get fresh air where you can, regular exercise every day (e.g., walk to school or get off the bus a stop earlier, dance, or stretch), a consistent sleep schedule (children aged 6-12 years should aim for 9-12 hours sleep per night, adolescents should aim for 8-10 hours).
Social– spend quality time with friends and family, connect with others in person (as well as online), join a club or community group, reach out to others and don’t be afraid to ask for help or offer support.
Practical– keep a daily routine to create structure and stability, use checklists to act as reminders and to hold yourself accountable, get ready for the day each morning, set yourself small and achievable goals to stay motivated.
Emotional– develop supportive friendships, write down three good things from your day, take time to do something relaxing every day, practise self-kindness (e.g., treat yourself how you would treat a friend!)
The Anna Freud Centre has some fabulous resources to help you and your child develop a self-care plan, that you can download here.
Please contact [email protected] for information and advice about mental health and well-being for your child and your family.
This week, as we remind ourselves of our school values, we are looking at books featuring role models.
My first choice this week is The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy, a much-loved book that has touched the hearts of readers around the world, and it’s not hard to see why.
Told through simple yet deeply moving illustrations and gentle conversations between four unlikely friends, this book explores some of life’s biggest questions with warmth, humour and hope. The boy, the mole, the fox and the horse meet in the Wild and travel together, learning lessons about kindness, courage, friendship, and love along the way.
What makes this book particularly powerful is its quiet honesty. It speaks to both children and adults, reminding us that asking for help is brave, that love is never wasted, and that we are enough just as we are. These messages are especially valuable in uncertain times, offering comfort and encouragement without ever feeling forced or overly sentimental. The book gently encourages emotional openness and we have four brilliant role models who embrace empathy and connection.
This isn’t a story in the traditional sense – there’s no plot or big adventure – but rather a collection of thoughtful moments and conversations. It’s perfect for dipping into together at bedtime or when a little reassurance is needed.
My next choice features real-life role models in James Stafford’s Unbelievable Underdogs And Rebellious Role Models, a thrilling and uplifting collection of real-life sporting stories that celebrate resilience, courage and the power of determination.
This book brings together true tales from across the sporting world – from football and athletics to surfing, wheelchair racing, and even ice hockey. Whether it’s Leicester City’s fairy-tale Premier League win, Emma Raducanu’s sensational tennis triumph, or the incredible comeback of speed skater Steven Bradbury, each story highlights athletes who overcame huge odds to achieve greatness.
These aren’t just sporting victories though; they’re stories of people who faced poverty, racism, injury, disability, and even shark attacks. Each chapter is a reminder that greatness doesn’t always come from being the biggest or strongest, but from refusing to give up when things get tough.
The book features a wide range of athletes and teams from around the world, including inspirational figures such as Jackie Robinson, Siya Kolisi, Wilma Rudolph and Tatyana McFadden. Their stories not only entertain but also educate children about important social issues, from inequality to perseverance.
With striking illustrations by Tuan Nguyen, this book is as visually engaging as it is powerful. It’s perfect for children in Key Stage 2, whether they’re sports-mad or simply enjoy stories of people doing amazing things, encouraging young readers to dream big, face challenges head-on, and believe that anything is possible – no matter where they start.
And finally, I have chosen a new release by one of my favourite authors; Role Model by Elle McNicoll. It’s yet another brilliantly thoughtful and powerful novel for older primary readers, which centres around Aeriel Sharpe – a 13-year-old autistic girl suddenly thrust into the national spotlight.
When Aeriel’s mum becomes the country’s top politician – the Prime Minister! – Aeriel’s world is turned upside down. She never wanted to be a role model or a spokesperson, but now everyone expects her to be exactly that. At school, old friendships become strained, and Aeriel feels the pressure of being seen, judged, and misunderstood, not only by her peers, but her mother’s advisors and the whole nation.
This timely and emotional story gives readers a window into what it means to be autistic in a world that often doesn’t listen. But it’s also a universal story about growing up, finding your voice, and standing up for yourself when others try to define who you should be.
As always, Elle writes with honesty, warmth and humour. She doesn’t shy away from big topics like identity, inclusion, and expectations, but looks at them through a lens that is age-appropriate and highly relatable. Aeriel is a wonderfully real character: brave, funny, flawed and fiercely herself, and I adored her older sister.
This is a great read for children in Year 5 and up, especially those beginning to explore their own identity or grappling with peer pressure. It’s also a brilliant conversation starter for families and classrooms alike. Elle McNicoll continues to be a powerful voice in children’s fiction, helping to transform how we view neurodiversity in books, our classrooms, and wider society.
If you would like to meet Elle, she will be signing books at Waterstones Nuneaton on Sunday 28th September from 12.30pm-1.30pm. You can sign up for free using this link: A Signing With Elle McNicoll.
Tips for wellness from our Mental Health In Schools Team
“Courage is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm.” -Winston Churchill
Being Brave
We can show bravery in lots of different ways, such as recognising that we feel a certain way (e.g., sad, anxious), asking someone for help when we need it and trying new things, even if we feel scared!
Feeling scared is often a sign that we are doing something challenging and it is completely normal to feel this way. Even though it can feel uncomfortable, being brave and facing these difficulties can also help us to learn and grow (both physically and emotionally). This can mean we need to step outside our comfort zone at times to be able to overcome challenges, but it is important to remember that being brave does not mean we have to cope alone.
Our Tips for Being Brave:
Set yourself a goal to try something new. Create a plan to break your goal down into smaller, more achievable steps! This can help your goal to feel less overwhelming.
Take chances and make mistakes! Sometimes it is helpful to fail, so you can practise being brave. Try something you have been wanting to try and take that chance to move out of your comfort zone. You might even find that it wasn’t as bad as you thought it would be.
Practise positive self-talk to help develop your bravery. Repeat these sentences to yourself or out loud – ‘I can do hard things’; ‘ I try my best’; ‘I can enjoy challenge’. You might want to write positive statements on post-it notes and stick them around your mirror so you can remind yourself of them every day!
Ask for help when you need it from someone you trust. Taking the step to talk to someone is one of the bravest things you can do!
Strike a power pose! Standing up tall with your feet apart, your head held high and with your hands on your hips can help make you feel more confident and ready to take on a challenge. What pose makes you feel more confident?
Please contact [email protected] for information and advice about mental health and well-being for your child and your family.
A very warm welcome to all of the Cannon Park Primary School Community as we begin a new school year. I only have one book this week that encompasses all of our school values.
The Best You by Nima Patel and Cally Johnson-Isaacs is a heartwarming and empowering picture book shifts the focus from what children do to who they are, and celebrates the qualities and character traits that everyone, no matter how old, need to thrive. It is a brilliant reminder that everything we need to be the very best version of ourselves is already inside us.
Instead of the traditional question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”, this book gently invites readers to explore the kind of person they want to become – kind, fair, brave, creative, determined, adventurous… Each page highlights a different value, often inspired by real-world roles like firefighters, teachers, or artists, helping children connect moral qualities with everyday heroes.
Encouraging self-awareness, empathy, and emotional intelligence, The Best You helps readers understand that they already possess the seeds of greatness within themselves through how they treat others and the choices they make.
Tips for wellness from our Mental Health In Schools Team
“Your future depends on your dreams, so go to sleep.” — Mesut Barazany
Rest
It is important to work hard, stay motivated and set goals to achieve in life. It is also important to not overwork yourself and get enough rest to help manage your stress and unwind so you can stay motivated and prevent burnout in the long run.
Rest is vital for your mental health as it can improve your concentration, memory, critical thinking, and thinking, planning for the future, problem-solving, mood, immune system, reduce stress, and helps your body’s metabolism and physical recovery.
Rest can be difficult to define because it can look different for everyone. It can be anything physical or mentally stimulating that improves wellbeing such as going for a walk, singing, drawing, cycling, playing games, watching TV/streaming, exercising, playing sports, reading, dancing, listening or creating music, writing, crafting, relaxing or anything else you enjoy!
Our Top Tips For Rest
After you have done something important like studying, chores or homework, reward yourself by doing something enjoyable that helps you recharge.
Set aside enough time each day for hygiene. This can be showering, brushing teeth, washing hair. These regular activities can help you to relax.
Create a healthy sleep routine by avoiding caffeine or sugary drinks near bedtime, ensure you are warm and comfortable in bed and limit screentime.
Engage in some mindfulness or restful activity, such as meditation, reading, listening to calming music, podcasts or bedtime stories. The Calm App has lots of meditations, soundscapes and stories.
Please contact [email protected] for information and advice about mental health and well-being for your child and your family.
The Summer Reading Challenge is the UK’s biggest reading for pleasure programme for primary school children in libraries, reaching close to 700,000 children last year. This year, the theme is “Story Garden”, and I have chosen some of my favourite books from The Reading Agency’s Collection.
For our youngest children, I have picked Farah Loves Mangos by Sarthak Sinha, a heartwarming and beautifully illustrated picture book.
This vibrant story, written by Sarthak Sinha, follows a young girl named Farah who adores mangos, so much so, she dreams of living inside one! Each summer, she visits her beloved Grandpa and together they pick juicy, golden mangos from his garden tree.
But this year is different. The mango tree is bare, and Farah is determined to fix it. With childlike optimism and creativity, she tries everything she can to make the tree bloom again. What follows is a gentle and thoughtful tale about patience, growth, and discovering joy in the little things beyond just the end result.
This book is a lovely way to introduce young readers to the ideas of nature’s cycles and the deeper meaning of relationships with loved ones. Farah’s bond with her Grandpa is particularly touching, and parents may find it sparks conversations about family traditions and the importance of spending time together.
The illustrations are colourful, rich in detail, and perfectly capture the warmth of summer days and the comfort of home. Young readers will enjoy spotting mango-themed surprises throughout the pages.
I love that Farah Loves Mangos is not just a celebration of a favourite fruit, it’s a gentle reminder that some of life’s sweetest moments come from what we learn along the way, not just what we get at the end.
Next up, I’ve chosen Hilda And Twig Hide From The Rain by Luke Pearson, perfect for young readers who enjoy a mix of adventure, magic, and friendship.
Fans of the Netflix Hilda series or the original graphic novels will be delighted to see blue-haired Hilda and her loyal deer-fox Twig in another thrilling tale.
The story begins with the pair heading out for a forest exploration, undeterred by a little rain. But when a huge storm rolls in, things take a dramatic turn. They find shelter in a strange mound in the ground. But, it’s not just any mound… Something mysterious is going on, and Twig soon realises that Hilda is in serious danger.
I love that this story focuses on Twig. Usually the quieter sidekick, Twig is suddenly pushed into the spotlight and has to face his fears to protect his best friend. It’s a lovely message for young readers: that bravery can come in many forms, even from those who don’t think of themselves as heroes.
The artwork is vibrant and full of character, bringing the magical world of Trolberg and its surrounding forests to life. The comic format makes it easy to follow, especially for children who are growing in confidence with their reading.
With a perfect balance of gentle humour, suspense, and warmth, Hilda and Twig Hide from the Rain is a brilliant rainy-day read that shows the power of courage, friendship, and a little bit of wild imagination. Highly recommended for children who love quirky stories with heart!
And finally, for our older readers, I’ve selected The Last Dragon by Polly Ho-Yen, a magical and heartfelt adventure.
This moving story follows Yara, a young girl navigating some very grown-up problems. Her sister is in hospital, her home life is full of worry, and things at school aren’t much better. Her new teacher thinks she’s nothing but trouble. But Yara’s world changes completely when, under the lights of a Milton Keynes shopping centre, she encounters something unbelievable: the very last dragon on Earth.
In a moment of quiet magic, the dragon leaves Yara its final gift, a single egg. From this point on, Yara is faced with a huge responsibility. The egg holds a power she doesn’t fully understand, and there are people out there who will stop at nothing to take it from her. Yara must summon courage she didn’t know she had, trusting in herself and learning to stand up for what’s right.
This is more than just a fantasy story. It’s a powerful tale about bravery, believing in yourself when others don’t, and caring for the natural world. The blend of real-life challenges with a touch of dragon magic makes it a brilliantly accessible and relatable read for children, and absolutely perfect for readers who enjoy stories with heart, imagination, and a message of hope.
You can take part online, or by signing up at participating libraries, and check out all of the other books in the collection here.
Tips for wellness from our Mental Health In Schools Team
“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.” Albert Einstein
Change
Changes are a normal part of our lives and they affect us all in different ways. Some changes may feel small to you, but big to another person, and the opposite for a different change. For example, moving to a new class or school, moving homes, or starting a new club. They can feel exciting, but they can also feel overwhelming and stressful, especially when they are unexpected. Below are some tips to help you cope with changes that may feel hard for you.
Our tips for coping with change:
1 – Keep doing things you enjoy! When we feel stressed or worried, it can be easy for us to focus on the worries all the time and forget to do the things that make us happy. Make sure to plan in time at the weekends and evenings to do things you enjoy to help you relax and boost your mood!
2 – Think about what you can control. When a change is unexpected or overwhelming, we can feel a bit like we have no control over the situation or how it is making us feel. It can be helpful to think about what you do have control over in this situation. For example, we can’t control how the change makes us feel but we can control how we react to the situation and what we do following the change. Such as, staying connected with our friends and family, keeping to our daily routines, and planning ahead where we can.
3 – Look for the positives. While change can feel hard, there’s often something good that comes from it, even if it is not immediately obvious. Such as, new opportunities, new people or learning experiences. You might even surprise yourself and enjoy the change!
Please contact [email protected] for information and advice about mental health and well-being for your child and your family.
For our last staff choice theme this year, Mr Ray has chosen holidays by the sea, which has been exceptionally tricky to narrow down to just three books.
For our youngest children, I have chosen Searching For Treasure by Johanna Bell, illustrated by Emma Long, which captures the magic of childhood curiosity and the beauty of Australia’s coastline.
The story invites readers on a beachside adventure, where each step along the high tide line brings a new discovery. With gentle, rhyming text and a sense of wonder woven throughout, this book encourages children to slow down, observe, and delight in the natural treasures that the sea washes ashore. From sea urchins to shark’s eggs, and ghost crabs to barnacles, the book introduces a range of fascinating sea creatures and objects, many of which will be unfamiliar to younger children, sparking curiosity and conversation.
Emma Long’s illustrations are warm, textured, and filled with subtle details that reflect the rich biodiversity of Australia’s coastal environments. The earthy tones and expressive characters perfectly match the rhythmic pace of Johanna Bell’s writing, making this a calming yet engaging read-aloud.
Beyond its poetic charm, Searching for Treasure gently models the joy of outdoor exploration and mindful observation. It’s an ideal book to read before or after a family beach walk, inspiring children to notice the small things and ask questions about the natural world.
A celebration of imagination, discovery, and the simple joys found by the sea, Searching For Treasure is a true treasure in itself!
For newly confident readers starting out with chapter books I’ve picked The Whale Watchers by Dougie Poynter, a wonderfully engaging illustrated chapter book that combines an exciting summer holiday adventure with an important environmental message.
The story follows Finn, who is less than thrilled when his summer plans are hijacked by a trip to rainy Scotland with his younger brother Jesse and their mum, a passionate marine biologist. Finn would rather be anywhere else than trailing around after whales in soggy waterproofs. But when they meet a local girl and her loyal dog, things take a surprising turn. As the children explore Scotland’s rugged coastline, they discover not only the majestic whales that call its waters home, but also the devastating effects of ocean pollution.
I love how this book gently introduces readers to big ideas like climate change and plastic pollution, without ever feeling preachy. Through Finn’s eyes, children are invited to ask questions and learn how even small actions, like cutting down on single-use plastics, can make a huge difference. Amberin’s illustrations bring warmth and personality to the story, helping younger readers visualise the Scottish landscape and the whales themselves.
Inspiring, thought-provoking and hopeful, The Whale Watchers is a fantastic read for Key Stage 2 children, perfect for enjoying together over the holidays, or for sparking a new interest in the natural world.
And finally, for our older readers, I’ve chosen Noah’s Gold by Frank Cottrell-Boyce, illustrated by Steven Lenton, a funny, fast-paced tale of mishap, mystery and friendship.
The story follows 11-year-old Noah, the youngest in his family and full of big ideas. When he secretly tags along on his older sister’s school geography trip, things quickly spiral into chaos. A wrong turn lands six children stranded on a deserted island, with no adults, no working phones, and thanks to Noah, no internet either. As they struggle to survive and make sense of their situation, Noah stumbles upon an old treasure map, turning their misadventure into a daring hunt for gold.
The book blends laugh-out-loud moments with heartfelt themes of teamwork, resourcefulness, and the pressures of the digital age. It cleverly explores how children can surprise us with their resilience and creativity – especially when grown-ups aren’t around. And, I love that it’s written in letters to home, with surprising
Frank’s trademark wit shines throughout, and there’s a warmth to the storytelling that makes it hugely appealing. The characters are lively and relatable, each contributing something unique to the group. Steven Lenton’s black-and-white illustrations bring extra energy to the pages and help draw young readers further into the action.
With echoes of classic adventure tales but a very modern twist, Noah’s Gold is perfect for confident readers who enjoy humour, unexpected twists, and stories that celebrate imagination and courage.
