To our knowledge, Who’s Been in Our Tree? is the only book on the English-language market written specifically for children coping with the experience of being burgled.
It is based on real children’s reactions and draws on a range of expertise in the field. The author and illustrator is a professional support worker for young victims. The “plans” made by the animals in the book are evidence-based responses to trauma, created with the guidance of Dr Fiona Snyder, a child clinical psychologist. Through Victim Support, the book has been tested with children in one-to-one settings and in the classroom. It has also been adapted and approved by a group of over 20 specialist professional support workers for young victims.
Children love the bright, quirky illustrations and the simple, friendly characters. The book handles a sensitive topic in the style of fresh, contemporary storybooks loved by children and parents. The wording, illustrations and concepts are all age-appropriate, having been developed with an experienced author and editor of children’s educational books, Alice Harman.
The book includes integrated support materials. The section What About Me? enables children to think about their own experiences and deal with the effects of the crime. The Things to Talk About section provides guidance to parents or support workers wanting to help children explore their feelings and find a way forward. These sections incorporate the same simple illustrations and evidence-based approach, resulting in a seamless experience consistent with the quirky, child-friendly nature of the main story.
Who’s Been in Our Tree? will be of use to parents, schools and professionals supporting children in the aftermath of a burglary. It will also be of use to those looking to teach children about dealing with emotions and with difficult situations. There is therefore a large market for this book, with the potential to build children’s resilience and contribute to their long-term wellbeing.
It is based on real children’s reactions and draws on a range of expertise in the field. The author and illustrator is a professional support worker for young victims. The “plans” made by the animals in the book are evidence-based responses to trauma, created with the guidance of Dr Fiona Snyder, a child clinical psychologist. Through Victim Support, the book has been tested with children in one-to-one settings and in the classroom. It has also been adapted and approved by a group of over 20 specialist professional support workers for young victims.
Children love the bright, quirky illustrations and the simple, friendly characters. The book handles a sensitive topic in the style of fresh, contemporary storybooks loved by children and parents. The wording, illustrations and concepts are all age-appropriate, having been developed with an experienced author and editor of children’s educational books, Alice Harman.
The book includes integrated support materials. The section What About Me? enables children to think about their own experiences and deal with the effects of the crime. The Things to Talk About section provides guidance to parents or support workers wanting to help children explore their feelings and find a way forward. These sections incorporate the same simple illustrations and evidence-based approach, resulting in a seamless experience consistent with the quirky, child-friendly nature of the main story.
Who’s Been in Our Tree? will be of use to parents, schools and professionals supporting children in the aftermath of a burglary. It will also be of use to those looking to teach children about dealing with emotions and with difficult situations. There is therefore a large market for this book, with the potential to build children’s resilience and contribute to their long-term wellbeing.
Comments from children, aged 8-9:
- “It’s a great book. I like the bit where Badger couldn’t get to sleep because the robbers were running around.”
- “Brilliant story.”
- “The animals get burgled but they realise their memories can’t get stolen.”
- “I really love this book!”
Comments from parents and support workers:
- “I wish I’d had something like that when we were burgled as a child.” - Mother of two
- “One of the best tools I have used for young victims of crime.” - Young victims support worker
- “I like how it provides coping strategies” - Mother of two
- “It is good to have the term burglars and burglary rather than saying ‘bad people’. The terminology is in there but in a nice manner.” - Primary school teacher
- “It helped the children I was working with to feel that they were not the only ones to experience these feelings, and gave them achievable things to aim for” – Young victims support worker
- “The Things to Talk About section is very useful.” - Mother of two
