Monty and the Big Jungle 
A story about starting school or nursery
 
Even though part of Monty feels excited to learn and play at the big jungle, another part of him wants to stay close to Daddy on the island.
 
Join Monty the monkey, his friends, and our mascot Rags, as he discovers a gentle way to carry Daddy’s smile with him—wherever he goes.
 
Monty and the Big Jungle is part of the Experiences Collection (purple) and has been thoughtfully written to gently reflect the experience of starting school or nursery, helping young children feel understood, supported, and less alone with big feelings of change.
Written by Gillian Murgatroyd, a children's psychotherapist specialising in play and creative arts, this story has been designed to support emotional understanding through play, imagination, and connection.
 
Each book in the Emotions at Play series also includes:
A simple science experiment linked to the story
A game for connection to help strengthen relationships between child and caregiver
A creative art activity
A hands-on craft idea
Gentle sensory play suggestions
Fun facts and jokes woven throughout for lightness and engagement
But the story doesn’t end there…
 
At the back of every book, you’ll find a QR code that leads to additional support materials created for the adults around the child. These include:
Information about the specific emotional theme the story explores
Practical tips and strategies that Gillian would typically share with parents, carers, teachers, and therapists in her own clinical practice
Guidance to help support emotional understanding at home, in schools, or in therapy settings
The books are illustrated by Sarah-Leigh Wills, an award-winning illustrator who has created hundreds of children’s books, bringing Monty’s world to life with warmth, colour, and imagination.
 
The Emotions at Play series combines therapeutic storytelling, playful connection, and real-world support for families and professionals—helping children make sense of their feelings in a safe, creative, and meaningful way.