The Forest’s Secret: Helping Children Discover The Magic Of Nature - My First Book has been published.

The Healing Power of Time Sent In Nature

Purpose:
The purpose of the book is to encourage parents, carers, educators and children (3-8 years) to explore nature, feel and experience its calming and healing power, particularly from a mental health perspective. It is a 40pp (currently being designed)  combination of a story and educational information around the benefits of spending time outside as well as suggestions for interacting/playing with nature.

A gentle and immersive picture book that introduces children to the calming magic of forest bathing (no water involved!). Through a story of a young girl and her grandmother, readers learn how nature can soothe, support, and strengthen us—physically and emotionally. Combining storytelling, science-backed wellbeing tips, and sensory games, The Forest’s Secret invites families and educators to rediscover nature as a healing space for mind, body, and heart

Target Readership:
- Primary market: Children aged 3–8  and their parents/caregivers
- Secondary market: Forest school leaders, primary teachers (KS1/KS2), SEN educators, play therapists, children’s mindfulness instructors, and nature-based practitioners

Why now:
In the wake of rising childhood stress, ADHD, Neurodivergence, anxiety, and digital overload, nature is increasingly recognised as an essential part of children’s emotional and mental health toolkit. The Forest’s Secret supports that need—translating evidence-based practices into a child-friendly narrative supported by practical tools for families and educators. With growing interest in green education, green social prescribing, outdoor learning, and trauma-sensitive wellbeing, this book arrives at a crucial moment to make nature connection both accessible and magical for young minds. Introducing nature into a child's regular activities can be a key pillar in early intervention of older children and young adult's stress and mental health,

My thoughts following research consider this to be the first UK-originated children’s picture book to integrate forest bathing, sensory mindfulness, and research-backed wellbeing guidance in one accessible, story-led format. There are a number of books aimed at adults and sharing the science-backed back health benefits but a lack of books aimed at children and equipping carers to access these benefits.

Myself:
I am a certified Forest Bathing Guide operating in Richmond, Esher and Wimbledon, certified breathing educator, and International Coaching Federation-accredited Life Coach. A former corporate leader turned wellbeing practitioner, I specialise in nature-based health interventions for children, adults, and families. I work with schools, NHS trusts, charities, and private clients to support mental, emotional and physical wellbeing through breathwork, coaching, and forest-based experiences. Based in Kingston upon Thames, this is my debut children's book, born from a lifelong love of trees and a deep belief in nature’s healing power.
There is a history of mental health challenges in my parents and having adopted children with a number of additional needs and neuro-diverse challenges alongside their early life trauma, has allowed me to experience and now guide children and adults through a complementary or alternative (NHS) Nature's Health Service.

Here are some extracts from the book to give you a flavour:

Pages 25-26 – Kindness in Trees

Grandma explained that the trees could be quite different. They can be old, young, tall, small, thin, wide, have different skin/bark patterns, brown, grey, black or white in colour. Some lose their leaves whilst others stay fully dressed all year round and some have travelled from other countries. But they are all kind and support each other by sharing food and water. And, they send messages and help each other if a tree becomes poorly

An extract from Pages 35–36 - Nature Games and Mindful Moments

- Little Tree Community Circle:

Make a circle together. Stand tall like trees. Close your eyes. Take a soft breath in and out of your nose.

Imagine roots growing from your feet, going down into the ground. Now let your roots reach out and touch the roots of the trees next to you. All the trees are holding hands under the soil.

If one tree feels tired or sad, the other trees share their food, water, strength and kindness to help. Every tree is cared for — big or small, young or old, no matter the colour.

Feel how safe it is to be part of the forest family.

Now bring your roots back in, open your eyes, and give a little smile.”

Fact of Nature: Did you know scientists estimate that there are around 73,000 species of trees in the world. Of which about 64,000 species have already been named and recorded.

- Looking from Your Heart:

Look at your favourite thing in nature — maybe a flower, a tall tree, a lovely view or a tiny animal.

Now, imagine you have eyes in your chest — your heart eyes!

Look at your favourite thing through your heart eyes.

How does it make you feel? Warm? Happy? Calm?

Your heart eyes help you see with kindness and love — and you can use them when you look at people too.

Fact of Nature: Did you know that while humans have one main brain, scientists have discovered that we also have two other clever centres that think and feel in their own ways — the gut and heart “brains.” We can use all three to share our thoughts, feelings and sensations.