A story about a girl named Charlie. A book to help children who have symptoms of depression and their families.
A massive thanks to all those who have already supported Charlie & The Black Dog. We've been totally amazed by the positive response.
The Book
Charlie is a fun loving girl, who likes riding her bike, reading books and playing games. That is until she makes friends with a black dog....
The book contains information about symptoms of depression and simple techniques based on cognitive behavioural therapy that can help. At the end there are some discussion questions and activities to try.
About the author & illustrator
Ruth is a mental health researcher and although she's published academically about problems like depression it tends to only get read by other academics! Using feedback from clinical psychologists, she's written a picture book for children with symptoms of depression so she can reach a wider audience and do it in a practical way that can help those who might be affected.
Kimiya is an amazing illustrator from Canada, check her out on instagram @_kimii__ This is her first children's book.
What's the money for?
I will use the money raised to get the book professionally edited, produced and published by a firm that specialises in mental health books and distributed to retailers. In addition, I will use a company that ensures 50% of the proceeds from book sales go to Shaw Mind, a mental health charity.
Why is the book important?
Common mental health problems are on the rise in children and getting help early can prevent a problem from getting worse or lasting for a long time. Picture books are a great way to educate, normalise and start discussions around mental health with children for parents, carers, teachers and other professionals.
There are children's books out there addressing mental health but often they talk about parental mental health - there is a lack of books about low mood and other symptoms of depression in children, for children. My book also offers some simple techniques that children can try based on cognitive behavioural therapy so they can learn something that might help too.
Please help us and spread the word!
We'd be incredibly grateful if you could share the crowdfunder link on Facebook/Twitter or email it on to anyone who might be interested.
Thank you so much for your support. We hope you love the book!
This project offers rewards in return for your donation.