depression – ACHUKA Children's Books UK

The Elephant by Peter Carnavas

February 8, 2021 By achuka Leave a Comment

ACHUKA Book of the Day 9 Feb 2021

‘A beautiful book – not just heartwarming but heart healing’ Chris Riddell

A big grey elephant is following Olive’s father around. It leaves with him for work and trails behind him when he comes home, keeping him heavy and sad. Every day, Olive wishes it would disappear. When she is asked to bring something old and wonderful to show her class, Olive immediately wants to bring her old bike – but she will need her father’s help to fix it. Teaming up with her cheery grandad and best friend Arthur, she sets out to chase the elephant away.

A highly touching and uplifting treatment of depression and grief.

Peter Carnavas is an Australian writer and illustrator. The Elephant, his first novel, was f.p. in Australia in 2017.

Magpie by Eve Ainsworth

February 4, 2021 By achuka Leave a Comment

Waterstones
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It has been a long time since Alice has felt safe. Because of him. Ross. But now she, Mum and her little brother Henry have finally moved far away, where Ross will never find them. It’s a fresh start, Mum says. This time, she is never going back. Slowly Alice starts to build a life for herself, at a new school with new friends. But she can’t escape the feeling she is being watched. That he might be lurking, waiting to ruin everything again. That Mum might be about to break her promise. That, just when Alice is starting to feel safe, everything will be taken away from her. A story about healing, home and new beginnings.

Insomnia and me: Robert Muchamore

April 19, 2014 By achuka Leave a Comment

Robert Muchamore writes about depression, sleep deprivation and a midlife crisis…

It’s the time of year when it doesn’t stay dark for long. I’m squatting on a corner of my bed cross-legged, like I haven’t done since infant school. The brown Muji notebook is scribbled full of notes for what I know will be the greatest novel ever written.

My silk bedspread is so beautiful. I’m wearing just shorts, and the beads of sweat on my legs are diamonds catching sunlight. It’s bliss. The rush of creative energy beats anything else I’ve experienced.

I have been awake for more than 50 hours. I know it’s bad, but this fact feels small. I’m seeing the problem through a telescope turned round the wrong way. With nobody around to touch, I’ve hugged the shirts hanging in my wardrobe and reconnected with soft toys, evoking sensational memories of caravan holidays, Stickle Bricks and tiny infant school chairs.

via Insomnia and me: Robert Muchamore | Life and style | The Guardian.