A BOOK-loving mum is using the power of storytelling to help children understand their emotions.
Erica Jodie, from Dudley, launched Little Boo Books to champion children’s mental health and wellbeing across the Black Country.
Her community-focused book initiative was inspired by her young son’s love of reading and is designed to support emotional wellbeing through storytelling in schools, nurseries and homes.
Ms Jodie said: “Seeing his face light up when he finds something he loves in a book, and watching his imagination grow, is what inspired me to start this.
“Books can spark excitement, build confidence and gently help children understand their feelings – they’re more powerful than we sometimes realise.
“Stories can give children comfort, help them feel less alone and open up conversations that might otherwise be difficult.”
Ms Jodie is an independent Usborne Partner (IUP) – a self-employed bookseller who shares Usborne’s children’s books directly with their community through her pop-up bookshop, but her mission goes far beyond selling books.
With one in four children in the UK now experiencing mental health challenges, Ms Jodie believes books can offer early, gentle support.
To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, she is launching Children’s Mental Health Book Bundles for nurseries, primary and secondary schools.
The resources, designed to support confidence, resilience and understanding of emotions, are being funded through sponsorship from local businesses and community groups.
Community champion Shaz Saleem said: “Meeting Erica and learning of her vision has inspired me to support her.
“We, The Saleem Foundation, are proud to sponsor and support Erica.
“This is a fantastic initiative and I encourage everyone to support.”
Each bundle is tailored to different age groups and designed to support emotional wellbeing, resilience, confidence and understanding feelings.
Ms Jodie is also planning a summer treasure hunt, where sponsored books will be hidden across the local area for families to find.
