I have been a reader pretty much all my life and enjoy a wide range of genres including crime, literary fiction, historical fiction and some fantasy. As a retired primary school teacher, I have always loved reading and sharing children’s books. I enjoy promoting reading and literacy and feel passionate about helping children to find the right book that will “unlock” a life-long love of reading.
One of the things I enjoy most is to go into schools and local events to read my books and teach some basic mindful techniques to children and teachers. I am a regular at several primary schools in Edinburgh and I also offer online story sessions for schools and organisations further afield. I have done online sessions in Canada, USA and slightly closer to home, Leeds and Devon! Please do get in touch if you would like me to visit your school (Edinburgh) or for an online story session.
Apart from promoting reading mindfulness is another passion of mine and knowing how busy teachers are, I have written a short handbook for teachers and educators called: Every Day Mindfulness in Schools: An Educator’s Guide. This is a bite size manual that is intended to give busy teachers a tool kit and some easy-to-use techniques to incorporate mindful activities in every day school life. I’d love to think that one day there will be a copy on every teacher’s desk!
I self-published my first picture book: Luna’s First Garden Adventure in 2022. Children today face a multitude of challenges that can leave them feeling anxious and worried. Luna is the perfect antidote! Through her new friend Poppy, she is introduced to a special mindful breathing technique that she can use to help her anxiety and enjoy the world outside.
In Luna’s second adventure: Luna and the Cat Flap, Luna is back and feeling very anxious about her new cat flap. How will she ever get through when it keeps snapping shut? Again, Poppy comes to the rescue! We are invited to try a new breathing technique and before she knows it, Luna is loving the freedom of being able to go in and out of the house, all by herself!
My most recent book is my memoir: From Sixty-Two to Sixty-Two. A personal account of my life from being born in 1962 until I turned 62 years old. I wrote it for my children and other close family and friends, but I hope it’s interesting enough for anyone who grew up in a working-class environment in the 1960’s and 70’s. It’s not a long read but it’s full of anecdotes and memories of that era…the street games we played, the food we ate and the entertainments are so different to what’s on offer today.