Read about the Land of Blue, where it's OK to feel sad, find ideas for what to do with worries or how to slow down when your head is full of hurry. Give yourself time to chill out, find quiet voices in noisy places and discover kindness in yourself and others. Then maybe your own special thought machine will tell you, 'This is going well. You're doing great. You've got this!' And you have!

This important and unique anthology of 45 poems by three leading poets, well known for their empathy and perception, speaks to the heart of what children think and care about, offering understanding, support and encouragement.

With an endnote by leading clinical psychologist Karen Goodall.

About the Author

Liz Brownlee is a poet, performer and film-maker. Much of her work is about animals and she is a frequent visitor to schools with her guidance dog, Lola. She recently collaborated with Matt Goodfellow and Roger Stevens on the acclaimed collection The Same Inside, poems about empathy and friendship. She lives in Bristol. Matt Goodfellow's poetry collection Chicken on the Roof has become a firm favourite in schools across the country. He is also the author of the picture book Shu Lin's Grandpa, with Yu Rong and the poetry collection for younger children, Caterpillar Cake, with Krina Patel-Sage. He lives in Stockport. Laura Mucha's debut collection, Dear Ugly Sisters, was published in 2020, including a smartphone audio book. She is also the author of the bestselling adult book, Love Factually. She lives in London. Since 2005, Victoria Jane Wheeler has been a creative practitioner at the Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester. She is currently visiting lecturer in Fashion and Design at the University of Chester and Liverpool Hope University. Her work has been widely exhibited in the north-west of the UK, including Manchester Art Gallery. She lives near Manchester, UK.

Reviews

"A ground-breaking anthology of 45 poems by three leading poets offers understanding, support and encouragement."

* Achuka *

"Forty-five new poems confront anxieties and worries, helping with ways to develop empathy and mindfulness."

-- Fiona Noble * The Bookseller *

"In 2021, this book could be just the answer for so many children who are facing anxiety and worries about their life and the world."

* Dolphin Book Blog *

"Very much in tune with the feelings the three poets have written of are the quirky black and white illustrations by new illustrator Victoria Jane Wheeler; and the book concludes with a note from developmental psychologist Dr Karen Goodall that includes some suggestions as to how an adult might open up a discussion. A special book that I strongly recommend for both school and home collections."

* Red Reading Hub *

"So often books with a 'message' are contrived or over-earnest but this is absolutely not the case for Being Me with its authentic voices & compassionate clarity... This is surely a book for our times."

* Reading Zone *

"Such a useful anthology to have in class to spark discussion and raise awareness of the lived experiences of others as well as support children's development of emotional literacy and empathy...Perfect for children throughout Key Stage 2."

* Literacy Tree *

"From reading the first poem in this collection I was hooked and read poem after poem finding they spoke to me in so many ways."

* Just Imagine *

"This important and unique anthology of 45 poems by three leading poets, well known for their empathy and perception, speaks to the heart of what children think and care about, offering understanding, support, and encouragement."

* Goodreads *

"This is a truly stunning collection of poignant, powerful poems by three outstanding poets, illustrated by Victoria Jane Wheeler... each and every poem is a real gem. I cannot recommend this collection highly enough."

* North Somerset Teachers' Book Award *

"Children are often more aware of troubled times - at home or in the world around them - than adults give them credit for... This new book by established children's poets, Brownlee, Goodfellow and Mucha aims to help."

* Poetry Zone *

"A new collection from the talented pens of @Lizpoet, @EarlyTrain & @lauramucha.This anthology speaks of worries that touch children's lives. Some offer solutions, others recognition. The poems could be used in KS2 assemblies, PSHCE & literacy lessons."

* West Sussex Schools Library Service *

"This is an anthology not just for today. The subjects covered are ones that children everywhere have experienced - and will continue to experience. These are poems to be shared with the whole class or family or given to the child who needs something immediate. Empathetic, sympathetic, reassuring - recommended for both KS1 and KS2 teachers and pupils alike... The illustrations by Victoria Wheeler are a perfect adjunct to the words - spiky, simple, pen and ink images that capture a mood or situation, allowing the imagination free rein."

* Books for Keeps (5 star review) *

"No4 in #12PoetryBooksofChristmas is Being Me @OtterBarryBooks by the fabulous @Lizpoet @EarlyTrain & @lauramucha deserving of its place on this year's @clpe1 shortlist this is a book should be on the curriculum & in every school."

-- Sue Hardy-Dawson * via Twitter *


Awards
Short-listed for CLiPPA (CLPE Children's Poetry Award) 2022.



Book Information
ISBN 9781913074654
Author Liz Brownlee
Format Paperback
Page Count 96
Imprint Otter-Barry Books Ltd
Publisher Otter-Barry Books Ltd