Anxiety story helps school children

She helps make writing dreams a reality for others but now a Blenheim publisher has printed her own work- inspired by her daughters.

Katie Ashdown has written a book geared towards helping children cope with anxiety.

And she has dedicated Anxious Allie And Her Brave Brother Ben to her two daughters Sophie and Danielle.

“Anxiety has always been an issue for Sophie since she was a toddler. For her it’s not about what causes the anxiety, but how she reacts to it.

“I was sitting in bed one night and it [the book] just came to me and I just started writing,” Katie says.

Illustrated by Marlborough Weekly advertising executive Gemma Bartlett, the book tells the story of a nervous girl called Allie.

Too scared to do the things she loves Allie seeks help from her more outgoing twin brother only to discover she too can be just as brave.

Katie, who owns Prisma Print in Witherlea, says the main characters have been written to help children up to 12 years old cope with their fears and worries.

As more people reach out for help with anxiety issues, the book gives younger readers characters they can relate to.

“Sophie was a great help, she gave me scenarios and told me how she felt,” Katie says.

A copy of the book, which sells for $20, is being distributed to primary schools across the region.

Katie and Sophie delivered copies to some Blenheim schools on Thursday.

“It’s been a really rewarding process and the support has been fantastic.

“Seeing my book is really exciting but more exciting, was seeing Sophie’s face light up when she saw it.”

Gemma, who spent around two months crafting the pen and pencil illustrations, says seeing a hobby go so far has been great.

“Katie gave me an idea of what she envisaged and I set about creating something that interpretated her ideas.

“It’s cool to see a hobby elevated into work like this.”

The pair have plans to work on a series of books tackling subjects relatable to primary aged children.

‘Sophie is coming up with lots of ideas,” Katie says.

The book can be purchased via Prisma Print at www.prismaprint.co.nz or directly from the shop at 14 Alana Place, Witherlea.