Books for Children and Young People
Health and Social Care issues impact everyone in society. We all know this. But having those conversations with our younger generation can be difficult and daunting. It’s becoming more widely accepted now that we shouldn’t shield our children from the realities of life, but instead educate them and support them so that they will nurture and grow t be the best versions of themselves.
Here is a collection of books aimed at children and younger people which set out to do just that.
My Grandma Has Dementia
This picture book aims to raise awareness of the impact that dementia can have on an individual and their family, in a child-friendly and supportive way. It is aimed at 4-11-year olds and has been inspired and informed by people with lived experience of dementia. Through rhyme and engaging illustrations, the book hopes to start a conversation about dementia, to help relieve anxieties that children might have about someone close to them who may be living with dementia. It is the first book in a best-selling series that aims to help children to understand a range of long-term health conditions, whilst promoting an inclusive and diverse society.
My name is Alex Winstanley. I am an author, teacher and social entrepreneur from Wigan, England. My background is a teacher, as well as a carer to young disabled adults, has shaped my outlook on the inclusion of disabled people and those with long-term health conditions, across society. Through my books, I am to raise awareness of a range of long-term health conditions, in a positive and supportive way, for children and young people. I am extremely passionate about promoting a diverse and inclusive society, in which every person is valued and celebrated. Each one of my books is inspired by real people, as I believe there is nothing more important than giving a voice to those with lived experience.
www.facebook.com/alexwinstanleyauthor
www.instagram.com/alexwinstanleyauthor
www.twitter.com/alexwauthor
My Cousn has Tourettes
This picture book aims to raise awareness of the impact that tics and Tourettes can have on an individual and their family, in a child-friendly and supportive way. It is aimed at 4-11-year olds and has been inspired and informed by people with lived experience of tics and Tourettes. Through rhyme and engaging illustrations, the book hopes to start a conversation about Tourettes, to help relieve anxieties that children might have about someone close to them who may be living with Tourettes.
My name is Alex Winstanley. I am an author, teacher and social entrepreneur from Wigan, England. My background is a teacher, as well as a carer to young disabled adults, has shaped my outlook on the inclusion of disabled people and those with long-term health conditions, across society. Through my books, I am to raise awareness of a range of long-term health conditions, in a positive and supportive way, for children and young people. I am extremely passionate about promoting a diverse and inclusive society, in which every person is valued and celebrated. Each one of my books is inspired by real people, as I believe there is nothing more important than giving a voice to those with lived experience.
www.facebook.com/alexwinstanleyauthor
www.instagram.com/alexwinstanleyauthor
www.twitter.com/alexwauthor
My Uncle has Depression
This picture book aims to raise awareness of the impact that depression can have on an individual and their family, in a child-friendly and supportive way. It is aimed at 4-11-year olds and has been inspired and informed by people with lived experience of depression. Through rhyme and engaging illustrations, the book hopes to start a conversation about depression, to help relieve anxieties that children might have about someone close to them who may be living with depression. It is the third book in a best-selling series that aims to help children to understand a range of long-term health conditions, whilst promoting an inclusive and diverse society.
My name is Alex Winstanley. I am an author, teacher and social entrepreneur from Wigan, England. My background is a teacher, as well as a carer to young disabled adults, has shaped my outlook on the inclusion of disabled people and those with long-term health conditions, across society. Through my books, I am to raise awareness of a range of long-term health conditions, in a positive and supportive way, for children and young people. I am extremely passionate about promoting a diverse and inclusive society, in which every person is valued and celebrated. Each one of my books is inspired by real people, as I believe there is nothing more important than giving a voice to those with lived experience.
www.facebook.com/alexwinstanleyauthor
www.instagram.com/alexwinstanleyauthor
www.twitter.com/alexwauthor
My Brother Has Cancer
This picture book aims to raise awareness of the impact that cancer can have on an individual and their family, in a child-friendly and supportive way. It is aimed at 4-11-year olds and has been inspired and informed by people with lived experience of cancer. Through rhyme and engaging illustrations, the book hopes to start a conversation about cancer, to help relieve anxieties that children might have about someone close to them who may be living with cancer. It is the third book in a best-selling series that aims to help children to understand a range of long-term health conditions, whilst promoting an inclusive and diverse society.
My name is Alex Winstanley. I am an author, teacher and social entrepreneur from Wigan, England. My background is a teacher, as well as a carer to young disabled adults, has shaped my outlook on the inclusion of disabled people and those with long-term health conditions, across society. Through my books, I am to raise awareness of a range of long-term health conditions, in a positive and supportive way, for children and young people. I am extremely passionate about promoting a diverse and inclusive society, in which every person is valued and celebrated. Each one of my books is inspired by real people, as I believe there is nothing more important than giving a voice to those with lived experience.
www.facebook.com/alexwinstanleyauthor
www.instagram.com/alexwinstanleyauthor
www.twitter.com/alexwauthor
My Child has Cerebral Palsy
This picture book aims to raise awareness of the impact that cerebral palsy can have on an individual and their family, in a child-friendly and supportive way. It is aimed at 4-11-year olds and has been inspired and informed by people with lived experience cerebral palsy. Through rhyme and engaging illustrations, the book hopes to start a conversation about cerebral palsy, to help relieve anxieties that children might have about someone close to them who may be living with cerebral palsy.
My name is Alex Winstanley. I am an author, teacher and social entrepreneur from Wigan, England. My background is a teacher, as well as a carer to young disabled adults, has shaped my outlook on the inclusion of disabled people and those with long-term health conditions, across society. Through my books, I am to raise awareness of a range of long-term health conditions, in a positive and supportive way, for children and young people. I am extremely passionate about promoting a diverse and inclusive society, in which every person is valued and celebrated. Each one of my books is inspired by real people, as I believe there is nothing more important than giving a voice to those with lived experience.
www.facebook.com/alexwinstanleyauthor
www.instagram.com/alexwinstanleyauthor
www.twitter.com/alexwauthor
When I Grow up I Want to be a Carer
With this book Jenni Mack aims to highlight the outstanding work carried out in care homes across the country and hopefully nudge more people to a rewarding career lie in the sector.
Jenni previously worked as an Activities co-ordinator known for thinking outside the box particularly with Dementia Care.
Jenni’s grandmother Janet was a nurse and matron who lived in the very care home where Jenni’s care sector career began. Learning all she could about social care and dementia Jenni found her place.
Now she is a passionate campaigner for the Social Care sector and a member of many groups such as IHSCM (Institute of Health and Social Care Management), Care Homes QI, Health & Social Care club and more.
Jenni has always been a keen writer and her love of sharing books with her 2 daughters mixed with a deep admiration of Julia Donaldson brought her to write “When I grow up I want to be a Carer” as a thank you to all those working in care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Home for a While
Calvin is in foster care, and he wants to trust someone, anyone, but is afraid to open his heart. He has lived in a lot of houses, but he still hasn’t found his home. When he moves in with Maggie, she shows him respect, offers him kindness, and makes him see things in himself that he’s never noticed before. Maybe this isn’t just another house, maybe this is a place Calvin can call home, for a while.
Lauren Kerstein is an author and psychotherapist. She is a Jersey girl at heart who currently lives in Colorado with her husband, their two dragons…er, daughters, and their rescue dog. Lauren is the author of the Rosie the Dragon and Charlie picture book series (Illustrated by Nate Wragg/Two Lions). Her latest picture book, HOME FOR A WHILE (Illustrated by Natalia Moore/Magination Press) moved into shelves February 2, 2021. Lauren also writes books in her field. Lauren is one of the founders of #ReVISIONweek, a judge with Rate Your Story, runs a critique business, and is a long-time member of 12×12 and SCBWI. Her writing goals are simple. Read voraciously. Embrace feedback. Grow each day. Work hard. Be passionate. Write courageously. Touch children’s hearts. You can visit her at www.LaurenKerstein.net, and follow her on Twitter and Instragram (@LaurenKerstein) and FB (https://www.facebook.com/laurenkersteinauthor).
Big Bear, Little Bear and Dementia
Big Bear is living with dementia and can no longer always do the things that Big Bears do. Little Bear feels confused by this and approaches Doctor Bear for support. Little Bear learns that our loves, laughs and memories are stored inside memory books, which are affected by dementia. Little Bear discovers that although Big Bear can no longer read the memory books, the loves, laughs and memories they share are stored safely inside Big Bears heart- Big Bear is still Big Bear!
The characters in this book aim to be inclusive for any lovely Big or Little Bear who may be reading, hence the bears do not identify with any particular gender, race, religion or culture. This way, the bears are relatable to all, representing the diverse range of people affected by dementia.
My name is Katie and I am so grateful that you are taking the time to visit this website.
I’d love to tell you more about my book, ‘Big Bear, Little Bear and Dementia’, beautifully illustrated by Iain Welch.
There are over 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK alone, and so it is ever more important that we support each other with love, compassion and patience. But dementia is a complex and emotive condition, which makes understanding it’s presentation ever so difficult, especially for children. During lockdown, I wrote the manuscript for Big Bear, Little Bear and Dementia and I was overwhelmed with support to turn the manuscript into a fully fledged book…with the love and guidance of my colleagues, family and friends- we did just that!
