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"A School for Everyone: Stories and Lesson Plans to Teach Inclusivity and Social Issues," with Professor Helen Cowie and Dr Harriet Tenenbaum, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, September 2021. 

https://uk.jkp.com/products/a-school-for-everyone

 






















​REVIEWS
This is an excellent and much needed resource for teachers and affiliated professions for promoting inclusive practice around a range of social issues in schools. I especially like the eclectic range of case studies and teacher resources covering key issues, including (cyber)bullying, bereavement, mental health issues, gender and race equality! -- Dr Wendy Sims-Schouten, Reader (Associate Professor) in Childhood Studies, University of Portsmouth

A School for Everyone is exceptional, and will perhaps become an invaluable tool for teachers and parents - relevant, topical and non-patronising scenarios, complemented with thoughtful and engaging activities and a comprehensive list of further resources. This book is for those who want to do more than pay lip-service to social and moral education, and really make a difference! -- Prof Patrick Leman, University of Waikato, Pro-Vice Chancellor and psychologist

In this practical guide, the authors provide a toolkit on how educators can create more compassionate, caring and inclusive schools and classrooms 'for everyone', particularly the most vulnerable and marginalised students. The topics are very well grounded in the social changes taking place in society today, providing a range of situations where children from different backgrounds or different experiences may experience difficulties in their development. Each topic is skilfully introduced through a story followed by a set of experiential activities which may be implemented in the classroom, and a list of available resources. This is an excellent, invaluable resource for the classroom teacher as they strive to foster understanding and empathy in increasingly diverse classrooms and schools. -- Prof Carmel Cefai, University of Malta

Every primary teacher needs this book. Jones, Cowie & Tenenbaum have written an engaging and easily accessible collection of short stories that tackle challenging issues, underpinned by rich research. The stories and follow up activities will be effective with groups, whole class and in school assemblies. I can't wait to use this in my school. -- Kareen O'Brien, Headteacher

Reviews

A warm, insightful, and empowering story that beautifully captures the inner world of a child living with emetophobia. Through Bodie's courage, humour, and struggles, kids learn that fear can be faced one small step at a time. This book is an invaluable resource for any child who longs to feel braver and less alone. ― Anna S. Christie, Emetophobia Specialist, Author of 'Emetophobia: Understanding and Treating Fear of Vomiting in Children' and Adults' and 'Conquer Your Emetophobia: Advice from a Therapist Who Overcame Her Fear of Vomiting'

This book is incredible. Dr. Jones tells an accurate and impactful story of what it's like living with emetophobia and why overcoming it is so challenging. Parents will get a view into their child's world of emetophobia and children will feel validated and be set on the path to a life free from fear. The intuitive response to emetophobia is often the opposite of what is required for recovery and this book explains this ironic concept with an engaging and compassionate story. I only wish I had this when I was a child struggling in school. ― Willy Schaller, Fellow Emetophobic in Recovery and Founder of Bia - The Phobia Recovery App

As a lifelong sufferer of emetophobia and now a parent, I found this book brilliant in helping your child with strategies to take control of their own ghost and live life to the full. ― Laura Davis, Emetophobic and Parent of a child with emetophobia

As both a clinician who has worked with anxious children for many years and a parent who has walked this road personally, I know how profoundly the fear of getting sick can shape a child's world. Emetophobia is far more common than most people recognize. I've seen it forcefully drive school avoidance, selective eating, social withdrawal, and a level of daily distress that families struggle to handle. What often looks like 'general anxiety' is in fact a very specific, very powerful fear-and one that is frequently overlooked in professional settings.

Bodie and the Ghost Showdown captures this experience with honesty and accuracy. Dr. Jones understands the internal logic of this phobia-the hypervigilance, the physical symptoms, the cycle of avoidance-and she brings it to life in a way that is accessible to children without diminishing the seriousness of what they're facing.

What I appreciate most about this book is that it doesn't simply name the problem; it gently guides children toward the skills that lead to real change. The story reflects the core elements of treatment: facing the fear, reducing safety behaviors, tolerating discomfort, and reclaiming the parts of life the phobia has taken away. It offers children the hope that they can be braver than their fear-and it shows parents what progress can look like.

For families dealing with emetophobia, resources are surprisingly limited. This book fills a genuine gap. It is heartfelt, clinically sound, and deeply validating for the child who feels alone in this struggle. I'm grateful Dr. Jones has given them a story that can open those doors.
― Dr. David Russ, licensed psychologist, Co-Author of 'Emetophobia: Understanding and Treating Fear of Vomiting in Children and Adults' and 'Emetophobia! The Ultimate Kids' Guide'

Mindfulness can be a hard concept for young children to comprehend, using a picture book such as Whispa and the Waves is a great resource. The teaching resources linked to the book link closely to the techniques already taught in schools which again really helped. We now have the book in our mindfulness area accompanied by a basket of shells and starfish, children as young as 4 years old are independently using Whispa's techniques when they need to calm down." Catrin Parton, Reception Teacher, Swansea

"I can't sing like Whispa the mermaid but I can breathe like her to help me be calm," Reception pupil, Swansea

"Through tear filled eyes. This is the most significant and important children's book that I've ever read. I'll treasure these words for a long time. What a beautiful gift to be able to give a child. Every child should have access to this book. What a truly gorgeous read." Jemma Buntin. 

"Knowing the context and inspiration for this book, it is both heart-breaking, soul-taking but ultimately a force of positivity. Ffion Jones specialises in writing books to help children work through difficult life issues, including the challenging subject of child bereavement. But should challenging issues, especially where children are concerned, be hidden away in a dark and unspoken place? Never! Stories must be told and inspirational lives must be held up high, for all to see." Dale Neal.

"This is a beautifully written book that deals with sensitive issues and emotions in a supportive and gentle way that will help families and children cope with the loss of a loved one. The illustrations are stunning and can be used to generate conversations within families and help children to explore their feelings and emotions. We are very fortunate to have this book in our school to help pupils who are dealing with illness or loss within their family. We are using it during Thrive and Elsa sessions and will read a little at a time, allowing the child time to talk about what is happening and how they feel. It has supported children in our school to talk about their own experiences and help them to understand that it's ok to feel a range of emotions. I honestly cannot recommend this book enough and feel that every school should have it to support those children who may are dealing with illness and grief within the family." Jenny Caddy.

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