Local children’s author Eliza Allen, who comes from Kent, has announced the release of her upcoming mental health book, One Branch at a Time.
Inspired by personal experiences, One Branch at a Time aims to “sensitively explore mental health in a way that is easily understandable” while “encouraging children to offer support to those in need.”
Beginning as a passion project through her ten years of experience working with children, Ms Allen recognised the “transformative power of stories,” which inspired her to write her first book.
Ms Allen said: “Although there is now greater support for mental health, younger generations may not be aware of the resources available, which is why it’s essential to start these conversations early.”
“With this book, I hope to make those discussions more approachable, helping children understand these complex topics and giving parents a starting point to talk about mental health openly,” she added.
The story follows Sloth as he embarks on an adventure through the magical rainforest, accompanied by his friend, Kind Monkey.
As Sloth and Kind Monkey navigate their journey, the story illustrates how connection “can inspire us to be brave by offering reassurance and love during times of sadness,” with their challenges aiming to mirror real-world mental health struggles.
Ms Allen will donate 10% of each book sold to YoungMinds UK, a charity focusing on children’s mental health and providing parental resources.
Additionally, Ms Allen plans to promote YoungMinds UK as a resource for her readers during the book launch and related events, aiming to raise awareness of the charity’s services for families seeking support for children’s mental health.
One Branch at a Time is available for pre-order at Waterstones, WHSmith, Amazon, and other major retailers for £9.99 and will be released on 28th November 2024.
