With growing intergenerational friendships across Gwent and the inevitable loss of older friends, ‘The Elephant in the Room’, written with pupils from Georgetown Primary, explores how we can best help children to cope with their feelings of loss by keeping the channels of communication open and using simple, plain language.
This book will supplement the wonderful work of Ffrind i mi/Friend of mine® initiative that has looked to combat social isolation and loneliness across in partnership across Gwent over the past two years.
Another book, ‘The Colossal Cat’, has been written with pupils from Pantside Primary in Newbridge and tells the story of Colin the Cat who one day realises he needs to make drastic changes to his diet and lifestyle if he wants to be able to feel happy and healthy again. This book will help families to sensitively explore issues that may cause obesity and inspire them to lead heathier lives.
These two titles follow Billy the Superhero, a book written and developed by local schoolchildren in 2018 that aimed to introduce the topic of health and social care to other children across Gwent and beyond and encourage children to think about a career in the sector. As with Billy the Superhero these titles will be shared with libraries, schools and GP surgeries across Gwent and beyond.
The project has also supported the Year Six pupils in both schools to develop their literacy and storytelling skills and raise their aspirations.
Mr Morgans, class teacher at Georgetown Primary said:
“The project has been an incredibly valuable experience. Pupils have been able to confidently discuss a sensitive topic and have learned a great deal about the writing/publication professions. Watching the children work alongside authors and illustrators, I've seen first-hand a real enthusiasm develop within the children to follow these sorts of careers. There's no doubt the pupils have been inspired by the team at Petra, which has certainly raised aspirations!”
Both books will be officially launched on Thursday, 19th December at Llanhilleth Miner’s Institute and will be available to order from Petra Publishing with all monies raised going towards future titles. https://www.petrapublishing.org
For more information about the Ffrind i Mi project visit the website: www.ffrindimi.co.uk