Dr Ffion Jones, Children's Author and Illustrator

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​I grew up in the beautiful seaside town of Beaumaris in North Wales where I spent a happy childhood creating fairy fortresses in the woods and crab fishing in the Menai Straits. Now living in Swansea with my husband and two lovely daughters, I'm happy to be back in Wales, living by the sea. 

I gained a PhD in English Literature from the University of Wales, Bangor in 2005 and, soon after, began my writing career. I fell sideways into illustration from writing and have since then written and illustrated several of my own books and worked on projects for hospitals, universities, charities and individual commissions. I am the Co-director of Nurse Ted Ltd, which produces picture books to explain serious illnesses to children. In 2020, I set up Fly Me Stories to send personalised magical stories to seriously unwell children in the UK.

​I provide workshops in primary schools to improve confidence and self-belief and take inspiration from my work supporting children and young people struggling with mental health difficulties. I am a passionate mental health advocate and use books as a tool to navigate difficult emotional experiences. I am also an accredited positive psychology coach and emotional wellbeing practitioner in schools (primary & secondary).  

Reviews

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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