Bessie Bump and Friends

Bessie Bump and Friends is a unique collection of 4 stories that allow children to enter the world of challenging emotions through the eyes of the colourful characters of Bessie Bump, Sheridan the Shark, and Tatyana the Piranha.

A vital part of all children’s education and development is to learn how to understand their own emotions and those of others, even when guised in behaviour or physical signs.  Such understanding leads to healthier choices in life as adults and more happy and harmonious relationships.

The stories tackle the difficult subjects of parental separation, blended families, bullying and loneliness through the eyes of Bessie Bump our bright turtle, Sheridan the loveable shark and Tatyana the loyal piranha.

At the end of each story there are a series of questions that can be used to help create conversations around the issues and emotions raised in the story.  In this way adults can help children learn more about emotions and good ways in which to cope with them and handle the more challenging ones.

Amberley Meredith M.Sc. has been practising in the field of psychology and well being for 20 years, working across continents with both adults and children from a variety of cultures.  A resounding theme running across all these years has been that when a person is surrounded in a place of love and understanding then they can flourish and grow to be their at their  best and their happiest in all ways. 

Reviews
"The simplicity of the writing, which makes the story very captivating and easy to understand, along with the original illustrations make this book an excellent tool to explain the complex issue of divorce to a kid. A nice way to de-dramatize and talk about a sensitive issue. Highly recommended." - Catherine Dowe
"I am a communication counsellor, I bought this book a few months ago to explain the issues that parents and kids are facing with when a divorce occurs, and the kids I was talking to really enjoyed the simplicity of the story, as well as the pictures. Thank you to the author and artist for this refreshing book!" - Garry
"My husband and I split up about a year ago and whilst we thought our kids were going along well with the divorce we were having problems with their behaviour. Our kids were becoming very defiant and angry and we didn't know why. I saw this book and bought it for my children, after I read it to them I asked them if they felt like Bessie, the main character. They said they did and I broke down and cried and my kids started to cry too. I rang my ex and asked him to read the book too and I told him this was happening to our children. It's not easy for my ex and I to put aside our pain and differences but after reading this story and seeing the truth of our own kids' pain reflected, we realized we had to change. This book is beautifully illustrated and carries a very powerful message that is gently put across. I would highly recommend it." - Sara