Every pupil at two Cwmbran primary schools will receive a free copy of a new children’s book designed to help young people understand and talk about their mental health.
The Federation of Blenheim Road and Coed Eva Primary Schools has bought nearly 600 copies of ‘The Hamster in My Head‘, a debut picture book by play therapist James McKeon.
The book follows Sophie, a young girl who lives with a critical voice in her head, represented as a hamster. Through the support of a trusted adult, she learns to understand and manage those difficult feelings.
Paul Keane, headteacher of the federation, said staff felt strongly that every child should have access to the book.
He said: “We are delighted to support The Hamster in my Head – the brilliant first book from the brilliant new local author, James McKeon. We have been able to use funding to secure a copy for every child – because we think it is that good and that important.
“We know from our own lives how hard the world is at the moment, and that’s magnified multiple times for our children and young people. Having had the privilege of observing James at work for many years now (and having seen first-hand the knowledge, skill, dedication and passion he brings to every child he works with) we wanted to share his work as widely as possible with our families and community here in Cwmbran.
‘Special assemblies’
“The book will be launched at two special assemblies in each of our schools, Blenheim Road and Coed Eva, and in two special launch events after school. We’re anticipating a hugely positive reaction from pupils and parents, and plan follow-up events for our families and children in November too.”
Mr Keane said the book complements the federation’s wider work supporting children’s wellbeing.
He added: “The book ties perfectly into our wider work around mental health and wellbeing, comes hot on the heels of World Mental Health Day (Saturday 10 October) and it just a very powerful tool to get our children and families talking about their mental health and wellbeing. We feel both privileged and lucky to be working with such caring and talented people in our school community as James.”
Mr McKeon, a creative arts and play therapist based in Cardiff who works in Torfaen, said the story was inspired by children he has supported through his work.
Illustrated by Torfaen artist Chelsea Morgan, the book is aimed at children aged four to 11 as well as parents, teachers and therapists.
‘A critical voice’
Mr McKeon said: “So many children carry a version of this hamster with them – a critical voice they think they have to fight or hide from alone. I wrote this book because I’ve seen, again and again in my work, what changes when a child realises they don’t have to.
“If one child feels seen and a little less alone after reading it, it’s job done.”
The illustrations begin in muted grey tones before gradually becoming colourful as Sophie learns to talk about her feelings, reflecting the book’s message about the importance of trusted, emotionally available adults in a child’s life.
He added: “I am still very much in a state of shock that this brilliant school federation are purchasing 580 copies of our book for all their pupils. When Paul (the Headteacher of Blenheim Road and Coed Eva) informed me that he was going to do this, my first reaction was absolute disbelief and I responded with ‘Are you sure?’ I feel extremely supported and so proud.
“I think it clearly shows the values of this school federation and speaks to what they want to achieve for their community. By supporting a local first-time author like myself and the fact they are prioritising a resource that can help children with their mental well-being just speaks volumes to me.”
‘Blown away’
And on the social media support and early pre-sales feedback, he said: “Chelsea and I are absolutely blown away by the support we have received online after announcing the release of the book. We have had so many people let us know that they have pre-ordered the book already and I don’t think either of us were imagined that it would go this well. It feels as though people really relate to and like the whole concept and themes of the story book (i.e. managing our inner critic).”
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