STORIES
Stories that let children explore difficult moments for themselves
Sometimes a story gives us a way into something that is difficult to talk about directly.
A character can wonder what to do. They can get something wrong. They can feel worried, frightened or unsure. They can make a choice and discover what happens next.
A child reading the story can recognise something of their own experience without being told what they are supposed to think or feel.
That's what The Hero's Journey is about.
FOR PARENTS
You don't have to turn the story into a lesson
You can simply read it together.
Your child might notice something. They might have a question. They might tell you what they would have done. They might say nothing at all.
That's okay. The story can stand on its own.
If you want to explore something further, optional conversation, reflection and supporting resources can provide another way in. But there is no required next step.
THE HERO'S JOURNEY
Stories in which the child is the hero
The child is the hero. Not because they are extraordinary, but because they are ordinary children facing recognisable moments and discovering what they can do with what happens.
Something happens. A feeling appears. They notice it. They begin to work out what they know — and what they don't. They make a choice. Something changes as a result.
The story comes first. The underlying ideas are experienced through the journey rather than explained to the reader.
THE HERO’S JOURNEY COLLECTION
Stories for the moments children face
The Hero’s Journey follows children through recognisable moments of uncertainty, difficulty and choice. Each story gives a child space to encounter what happens and discover what they might do next.
Explore the books in the collection below.
INTRODUCTORY COLLECTION
Anxiety
Four books exploring anxiety around two important transitions: starting secondary school and starting sixth form or college.
Boys’ book — Alex’s story about starting secondary school
Girls’ book — Maya’s story about starting secondary school (coming soon)
Boys’ book — Emil’s story about starting sixth form or college (coming soon)
Girls’ book — Tessa’s story about starting sixth form or college (coming soon)
PHASE 1 - Books in this phase are planned for future release.
Everyday challenges and finding your place
Anger
Self doubt
Finding your voice
Belonging
Fear
PHASE 2 - Books in this phase are planned for future release.
Navigating pressures and expectations
Stress
Depression
Fitting in
Fear of failure
Social media
PHASE 3 - Books in this phase are planned for future release.
Everyday experiences and growing independence
Going to school
Motivation
Self image
Phobias
Fear of missing out (FOMO)
THE HERO’S JOURNEY — INTRODUCTORY ANXIETY COLLECTION
Two stories. A familiar transition.
Starting secondary school can bring new experiences, questions and uncertainty.
The Hero’s Journey explores these moments through stories about children encountering difficult feelings, making choices and discovering what they might do next.
Choose the version that feels right for your child.
The Hero’s Journey Against Being Controlled by Anxiety — Alex’s story
Alex encounters worry and uncertainty while starting secondary school. The story explores how a difficult feeling can be present without deciding what happens next.
The Heroine’s Journey Against Being Controlled by Anxiety — Maya’s story
Maya’s story explores starting secondary school through a girl’s experience of uncertainty, difficult feelings and choices.
COMING SOON
More details will be added as the book develops.
Choose a story
These six free stories feature Alex, the central character in The Hero’s Journey Against Being Controlled by Anxiety.
Each story stands on its own, exploring a recognisable moment in Alex’s life. You can read one on its own, get to know Alex through these shorter stories, or choose a moment that feels interesting or familiar to your child.
Select a story title to read or download it.
The Play Date
Alex is looking forward to a play date. Then things don't quite go the way he imagined.
Sam's House
Alex isn't sure what Sam is thinking. He can keep guessing, or he can ask.
Dad Gets It Wrong
Alex notices that Dad has made a mistake. He isn't sure whether to say anything. Later, Alex makes a mistake of his own.
The Invitation
Alex wants to go to Sam's house. He doesn't know exactly what will happen when he gets there.
The Christmas Present
Alex knows why he chose Dad's present. What he doesn't know is what Dad will think when he opens it.
The Halloween Door
Alex sees a house that looks different from the others. He doesn't know what is behind the door. He can leave. Or he can find out.
THE STORY COMES FIRST
These are stories, not lessons
A child can simply enjoy the story. They can recognise something, wonder what they would do, talk about it, or just turn the page.
There is nothing they have to work out before the story is complete.
You can stop with the story.
WHERE STORIES FIT
Different ways to explore
Stories are one way to explore difficult moments. Sometimes another kind of support may be useful, too.
PARENTING
Start with what's happening and explore what may be going on.
EXPERIENCES
Participate, connect and make choices together.
STORIES
Encounter difficult experiences through narrative.
RESOURCES
Explore further, practise something or find a useful resource.
You can move between them when it is relevant. Or you can simply stay with the story.