What is the Harp about?
The Harp is a story about a young boy, Elijah, who lives with his Mum and Dad. Mum and Dad are splitting up and Elijah doesn’t like the atmosphere in the house. He feels everything is getting too much. He feels it would be better if he just left.
He goes to sleep in the local Village Hall and asks his friend to bring food.
They find a relaxation CD belonging to his friend’s Mum. This begins to change Ethan’s perception of what is going on for him. He feels relaxed, and the next day he embarks on a journey where he learns techniques about how to let go of fears and worries, and how he can reframe his mindset to be more positive and resilient in the face of change.
Why did you write The Harp?
The idea for the book came about totally unexpectedly whilst I was on a Yoga Retreat with my young daughter. After a few months of researching and writing, and getting an illustrator on board, I was able to release it!
I have a background as a therapist in private practice and I believe that mental health services are now in crisis. Waiting lists are long and accessing support can be impossible for some due to either finances, not being able to find the right support, or emphasis on other things which are seen as more important. How often do we hear people say, “Oh I’m OK, I just have to carry on”? There is an expectation in society that we have to be OK all of the time, and if we are not, then we have failed in some way. This is a damaging narrative which I work with a lot in my therapy business.
In schools, there is again a lot of emphasis on solid attendance, league tables, SATs testing, and this adds to the pressures faced by some children who are made to feel they are “in the wrong” when they cannot attain what is expected. “One size fits all” simply does not work.
I feel there is a need for books like this, so that children who do feel in dark places can know that they are not alone and that feeling this way is not something to hide or be ashamed of. The book does touch on sensitive subjects, such as running away from home, but I feel if we hide these things or sweep them under the carpet, it reinforces a narrative of shame and actually makes the problem worse.
How can we read the book with our child?
I would suggest that this book is an interactive book, which parents or teachers can read with the child(ren) and deal with any questions the child has about the material.
It gives an opportunity to talk about some of the subjects and discuss with children, for example, why running away is not the best option.
It can also help us think about how we, as parents or teachers, can be aware of the impact we have on our children, often without knowing. It’s very much not a book about blame or judgement, but it’s about raising awareness of how our patterns of behaviour and the things we say, can affect the way our children go on to live their lives.
