For effective and safe use, this book should be purchased alongside the professional guidebook. Both books can be purchased together as a set, Helping Young Children Learn About Domestic Abuse and Coercive Control: A Luna Little Legs Storybook and Professional Guide [9781032072555]

This sensitively written storybook has been created to help very young children understand about domestic abuse and coercive control.

Luna loves playing with her friends at kitten club, but at home things are different. One terrible night, Luna overhears a domestic abuse incident and, when her own name is mentioned, she wonders if it might be her fault. Accompanied by beautiful and engaging illustrations, the story provides a vehicle for talking with children about their experiences, safety and emotional wellbeing.

Three potential endings allow the story to be personalised to the individual child:

* In ending 1, Luna is comforted by her mummy and remains at home

* In ending 2, Luna and her mummy move to a refuge, and eventually into their own home

* In ending 3, Luna's daddy apologises for his behaviour promising to change , and she and her mummy move back into the family home

Through age-appropriate rhyming language, this story explores children's common reactions to domestic abuse, shows them that they are not alone, and helps them talk about their feelings. It is an essential tool for all early years practitioners, as well as professionals working with children and families who are experiencing, or have experienced, domestic abuse and coercive control.

About the Author

Catherine Lawler is a qualified specialist children's counsellor, trauma practitioner and a childhood survivor of domestic abuse. She has extensive experience of working with children, young people and families as well as developing and facilitating training on the issue of domestic abuse and coercive control. Catherine is co-author of Domestic Violence and Children: A Handbook for Schools and Early Years (Routledge, 2010) and Floss and the Boss: Helping Children Learn About Domestic Abuse and Coercive Control (Routledge 2021)

Norma Howes has trained in social work, child forensic psychology and psychotherapy. She is also trainer and consultant for workers from agencies dealing with all forms of trauma, abuse and neglect and their impact. She has a special interest in domestic abuse and sexual trauma. She has written Guides for Community Care Inform: A Trauma model for working with i) Domestic Abuse, ii) Sexual Exploitation, iii) Contact between Children and their Families and a Guide on the Neurobiological Impact of Contact

Nicky Armstrong, B.A.(Hons) Theatre Design, M.A. Slade School of Fine Arts, has illustrated 30 books which have been translated and published in seven countries. She has achieved major commissions in both mural and fine art painting.

Reviews

Luna Little Legs is a beautifully-illustrated, skilfully-designed book for young children who have experienced domestic violence, abuse and coercive control. An important feature of the text is that it has three different endings, so the book can be tailored to the life-experience of children who are engaging with it.

Dr Emma Katz, Ph.D., Senior Lecturer in Childhood and Youth, Liverpool Hope University, UK

Book Information
ISBN 9781032072593
Author Catherine Lawler
Format Paperback
Page Count 30
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 136g