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A mother-of-two has channelled her own personal tragedies into a series of illustrated story books helping children with their own self-esteem.

Author Jess Childs, 40, from Machen, has released her latest book, Ivy and the Mole – the second instalment in her ‘Big Issues for Little People’ series.

It follows on from her first picture book, Ivy and the Rock, which was released last year. The book was featured on the BBC and was even given an online reading by the Duchess of York.

The books deal with topics such as depression, self-esteem and more.

The idea for the story came from a poem Jess wrote and recited at her father’s funeral.

In 2006, Jess’ father, Paul, took his own life, while her mother, Olwen, died after a five-year battle with cancer in November 2020.

Speaking about her latest release, Jess said: “Globally, we’ve been experiencing a real sense of unrest in recent years, and as parents it’s only natural to be worried about the state of our children’s mental health as a result.

“So, Ivy and the Mole is, first and foremost, a beautiful tale of adventure and discovery – but it is also a tool that families can draw upon to help them talk about how they might be feeling and view themselves generally in life too.

“And it is just one other way the Big Issues for Little People series aims to support parents in opening up conversations with their children about their true feelings.”

Part of the idea behind writing the books was to help Jess address real life issues with her own daughters, seven-year-old Winnie and five-year-old Nancy.

Ivy and the Mole sees the titular character, Ivy, venturing further into the ‘Wildest Wood’, making a friend along the way and discovering the magical landscape around them, as well as learning more about their own sense of self.

Jess said: “It’s lovely to see Ivy make her way out into the Wildest Wood and exploring life to the full in Ivy and the Mole, and is a representation of all the hopes and dreams I hold for my two girls as they venture forth into life more fully too, I suppose.

“My books were created to help me open up the conversation around those real life issues with my own little ones sooner rather than later with that in mind, and if they can help just one other young family to do the same, then that’s good with me.”

With more stories in the Big Issues for Little People series already written, Jess has launched a website with a view to developing the series further, along with a range of free downloadable resources to help children with self-esteem, bereavement and loss.