A Story for Children… and a Guide for Grown-Ups

Why you'll find a QR code inside Emotions at Play books

When Sarah and I created Emotions at play books together, we both wanted them to truly feel like the child’s book and along with developing the characters and bringing the story to life with child friendly illustrations, it is something we have worked hard on.

In children’s therapy, especially with younger children, things can sometimes feel a little imbalanced. A parent, carer, or teacher might refer a child — understandably, with hopes to help — but it’s important to remember the child's experience, and that the whole system around the child matters.

Working only with the child, with no link to home, isn’t enough, and focusing only on the parent’s goals, without understanding the child’s own experience, isn’t enough either.

Emotions at Play books are made to be shared, but the story is all for the child: full of characters they can relate to and told through gentle, metaphorical storytelling. When Rags pops up with his activities, science experiments, facts, and jokes — we’ve left out the grown-up explanations. It’s their world to explore and enjoy.

We’ve even thought about the size of the book, so it sits just right in little hands!

All the extra guidance lives in the Guide for Grown-Ups. Scan the QR code to find tips, ideas, and support to help your child explore the story and activities.

On the page, you’ll find:

🌱 The how and why of Rags’ activities — plus ways to adapt or extend them

.🌱 Guidance for supporting with the story’s theme (e.g., anger, moving house, loss).

🌱 Where to find further support if needed.

It’s what I might share with a parent — a tiny therapist tucked into the pages.

Often, one of the first questions I’m asked is: “How can I help?" We hope these stories help you do just that — gently, creatively, and together. ✨