Hold a WellChild Winter Storytime…and help more seriously ill children thrive at home

Childhood for many is full of imagination and adventure, but for the children we help, much of their time is spent in hospital, waiting and wanting to go home. And that is where we come in, by funding WellChild Nurses, we can help make the wait more bearable and ultimately get children home quicker, where they can thrive.

For children, spending a significant portion of their childhood in the hospital can exacerbate feelings of separation from their loved ones, their home environment, and normal childhood activities, affecting not only the children but also their parents.

Reading plays such an important role in growing up for both child and parent and can be done almost anywhere. Stories bring pleasure and magic, transporting children’s imaginations to fantastical and faraway places, bringing comfort and creating special moments with their families – in hospital and at home. WellChild Storytime celebrates the magic of stories and promotes our role in supporting children and their families from hospital to home.

Can you host a WellChild Winter Storytime?

We would love for you to hold a WellChild Winter Storytime to help raise awareness of children who are in hospital and help engage people young and old with our work. It’s so easy to do. We’ll provide you with information you can share to introduce your school or group to one of the children we have helped. We have also made a list of books that you can choose from for your storytime, or simply pick your favourite ones! If your children would like to, they can make a picture of what they love about reading and being at home.

WellChild Storytime bookmark for everyone who takes part.

We have a special WellChild Winter Storytime bookmark for the children to keep. We hope it will help to keep their love of reading alive and show support for all the children living with complex medical conditions.
WellChild Bookmark placed on top two childrens books.

Get in touch with us – [email protected] or fill in the form below to let us know about your storytime and to arrange delivery of your bookmarks.

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Click here to find details of your local library where you can find many of the books listed below.

Links for where you can buy the books are also included in the information below, but please see here for a Book Price Comparison website, which shows you the cheapest online stores.

Dear Earth – Isabel Otter

IBSN: 978-1848579415
Age: Child

When Tessa writes a love letter to the Earth, it’s the beginning of a glorious adventure. She blows bubbles with whales, soars with birds and joins in with the noisy rainforest hullabaloo!
Tessa wants everyone to know how special our planet is. She believes that there is a chance to save the Earth if enough of us share the message…

Iceberg – Claire Saxby

ISBN: 978-1911679509
Age: Child

In the final freeze of an Antarctic winter, green tails wave across a star-full sky, as if to farewell endless nights. If this world looks empty, look closer … Penguins trek across the ice to their winter homes. As the temperature warms, birds fly above on their long migrations. And with the advent of summer, beneath an iceberg, the sea is teeming with life. Ocean, sky, snow and ice – minute greens and giant blues – dance a delicate dance in this evocative portrayal of the life cycle of an iceberg.

Home – Carson Ellis

IBSN: 978-1406365795
Age: Younger child

The picture book debut of Carson Ellis, acclaimed illustrator of the Wildwood series and Lemony Snicket’s The Composer is Dead, this is a gorgeous, imaginative celebration of the many possibilities of home. Home might be a house in the country, a flat in the city, or even a shoe. There are clean homes, messy homes, sea homes and bee homes. Home resides on the road or the sea, in the realm of myth, or in the artist’s own studio. This loving look at the places where people live brims with intriguing characters and is a visual treat that demands many a return visit.

Home: Where our story begins – Britta Teckentrup and Patricia Hegarty

IBSN: 978-1801043298
Age: Child

Wherever we may choose to roam, We need a place to call our home. 

Follow a little bear as he discovers a host of animal homes and more in this beautiful die-cut picture book.

The Way Back Home – Oliver Jeffers

IBSN: 978-0007182329
Age: Child

Once there as a boy, and one day, he found an aeroplane in his cupboard.

He didn’t remember leaving it in there, but he thought he’d take it out for a go right away. At first, all went well and the plane flew higher and higher and higher until suddenly, with a splutter, it ran out of petrol. The boy was stuck on the moon and he was not alone.

Anxiety & worries

How big are your worries little bear? – Jayneen Sanders

IBSN: 978-1925089202

Reading age: Child

Little Bear is a worrier. He worries about everything! But with Mama Bear’s help, he soon learns his worries are not so big after all. Through this engaging and beautifully illustrated story, children will learn that everyday worries and fears can be overcome. It just takes a willingness to share with a helpful listener and an understanding that making mistakes is how we learn.

Also included are helpful Discussion Questions for parents, caregivers, and educators, plus extra hints to help children manage anxiety.

Hey Warrier – Karen Young

IBSN: 978-1912678006

Reading Age: Child

A fantastic book to help children understand what happens in their brains when they experience anxiety. Kids can do amazing things with the right information. Understanding why anxiety feels the way it does, and where the physical symptoms come from, is a powerful step in turning anxiety around.

I used to be afraid – Laura Vaccaro Seeger

IBSN: 978-1596436312

Reading Age; Child

In this picture book, Seeger presents seven common childhood fears in the past tense, following the pattern of, “I used to be afraid of ____ but not anymore!”  Each fear is accompanied first by an illustration showing a child looking anxious or fearful, then by an illustration showing the beauty of the thing that is feared. For example, the child is cowering under the covers in the dark, but on the next page, she is outdoors with her dog gazing happily at the moon and stars.  The book’s lesson is that fear is temporary.  We can all learn how to enjoy things that may initially provoke anxiety.  With its engaging pictures and use of cut-outs, this book is perfect for opening a discussion with a young child.

The Worrysaurus (DinoFeelings) – Rachel Bright

IBSN: 978-1408356128

Reading Age: Child

A fun and reassuring tale about dealing with worries from the author of the bestselling The Lion Inside.

It’s a beautiful day and Worrysaurus has planned a special picnic.

But it isn’t long before a small butterfly of worry starts fluttering in his tummy . . .
What if he hasn’t brought enough to eat?
What if he gets lost in the jungle?
What if he trips and falls?
What if it rains?!

Can Worrysaurus find a way to chase his fears away and have fun?

The perfect book to help every anxious little dinosaur let go of their fears and feel happy in the moment.

Books that look at differences and belonging

The Invisible – Tom Percival

IBSN: 978-1471191305

Reading Age: Child

A moving, powerful story that shines a light on those that feel invisible in our world – and shows us that we ALL belong – from the author of Ruby’s Worry.

The Invisible is the story of a young girl called Isabel and her family. They don’t have much, but they have what they need to get by. Until one day, there isn’t enough money to pay their rent and bills and they have to leave their home full of happy memories and move to the other side of the city.

It is the story of a girl who goes on to make one of the hardest things anyone can ever make…a difference.

And it is the story of those who are overlooked in our society – who are made to feel invisible – and why everyone has a place here. We all belong.

Dream Big, Little Mole – Tom Percival

IBSN: 978-1408892824)

Reading Age: Child

From author and illustrator Tom Percival, creator of the bestselling Big Bright Feelings series: a motivating and empowering story about a little mole who learns that everyone has something special to give the world

Join one little mole as she follows her dream of building the biggest hole ever, and learns along the way that everyone has something special to give the world – it just sometimes takes a little time (and a few mishaps!) to discover what that special something is.

Mixed: An Inspiring Story About Colour – Aree Chung

IBSN: 978-1509871346

Reading Age: Young children

Mixed is a charming and thought-provoking picture book with characterful illustrations and humour. Follow the colours as they overcome their differences in this sweet tale of acceptance and celebrating difference.

The Blues, Reds and Yellows lived in harmony. Reds were the loudest, Yellows the brightest and Blues were the coolest. However when one of the colours proclaims they are the best, discord breaks out and eventually the colours decide to live in different parts of the city. Then one day a Yellow befriends a Blue and they become inseparable, discovering a world of different possibilities and colours.

Lost and Found – Oliver Jeffers

IBSN: 978-0007150366

Reading Age: Young children

There once was a boy and one day a penguin arrives on his doorstep. The boy decides the penguin must be lost and tries to return him. But no one seems to be missing a penguin. So the boy decides to take the penguin home himself, and they set out in his row boat on a journey to the South Pole.

But when they get there, the boy discovers that maybe home wasn’t what the penguin was looking for after all.

The Hugasaurus (DinoFeelings) – Rachel Bright

IBSN: 978-1408356159

Reading age: child

A joyful celebration of the power of kindness for fans of The Worrysaurus.

One sunny morning, a happy little Hugasaurus waves goodbye to her Pappysaur and sets off into the world on her own for the very first time. When she finds a playground, some new friends welcome her to their games. But it isn’t long before the other little dinosaurs start to squabble.

Can Hugasaurus bring her new friends back together using the magical power of kindness?

Books to help with grief & loss

The Lonely Tree – Nicholas Halliday

IBSN: 978-0953945962

Reading Age: Child

Universally praised and beautifully written and illustrated, ‘The Lonely Tree’ follows the first year in the life of a lone evergreen growing in the heart of the ancient oak woodland of the New Forest. The evergreen is befriended by the oldest oak who has lived for hundreds of years. When winter arrives all the oak trees must go to sleep, but of course, evergreens never sleep. Finally, after a long, cold, and lonely winter, spring brings both sadness and joy to the little tree.

The Lonely Tree is a charmingly illustrated picture book that will help children and their families in times of loss or change with the gentle reassurance that saying goodbye is a natural part of life.

Miffy is crying – Dick Burna

IBSN: 978-1471123306

Reading Age: child

Miffy is very sad because she’s lost her favourite teddy bear. She searches everywhere and even asks all her family. She wants to know if she will be able to find it again. This story gently explores feelings associated with loss and change and showing emotion.

Books with disabled characters

Amazing – Steve Anthony

IBSN: 978-1444944716

Reading Age; Child

A joyful picture book by the award-winning Steve Antony. A little boy and his pet dragon are the very best of friends. They laugh, they sing, they dance, and they snooze. They are both amazing, just like everyone else! A celebration of friendship and being yourself with a positive message about celebrating diversity.

Books for Siblings and Young Carers

Noah’s Garden – When someone you love is in hospital – Mo Johnson

IBSN: 978-1921150159

Reading Age: Child

Noah and his family are living in The Children’s Hospital because his new sister, Jessica, was born with a serious medical condition. Normal family life is suspended indefinitely for Noah, but in the true spirit of childhood, he spends his days in the hospital garden, creating an imaginary world, longing for the day when Jess can join him.

It is written as a tribute to all the families who have to stay in hospitals for long periods of time and for whom gardens become an oasis where children can play and families can attempt to have regular lives, even for the briefest of times.

Just Because – Rebecca Elliott

IBSN: 978-0745964607

Reading age: Child

‘My big sister Clemmie is my best friend. She can’t walk, talk, move around much, cook macaroni, pilot a plane, juggle, or do algebra. I don’t know why she doesn’t do these things. Just because.’ Just Because tells of a brother’s love for his sister. He is so enthusiastic about just how loving and special she is, delighting in telling us about all the fun things they do together. Only as his tale unfolds does the reader begin to realise that his sister has special needs, and by then we just accept, as he does. This heart-warming picture book is much celebrated for its touching and sensitive approach to introducing the issue of disability to young children through a charming celebration of sibling friendship.

Tender – Eve Ainsworth

IBSN: 978-1407164304

Reading age: Teen/Young Adult

This book touches on mental health, family, friendship, and the pressures teenage carers face. For the character Daisy, it’s about pretending her parents aren’t exhausted while they look after her incurably ill brother, while for Marty, it’s about pretending his mother’s grip on reality isn’t slipping. They both pretend life’s fine until at some point they both have to stop. This is an honest fictional account that many young carers will be able to relate to.

The Gruffalo – Julia Donaldson

IBSN: 978-1509830398
Age: 0 – 6 years

In this much-loved picture book, a little mouse walks through the woods and encounters a fox, an owl and a snake.

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s The Gruffalo is an undisputed modern classic and has become a best-selling phenomenon across the world with over 13.5 million copies sold. This award-winning rhyming story of a mouse and a monster has found its way into the hearts and bedtimes of an entire generation of children and will undoubtedly continue to enchant children for years and years to come.

Stick Man – Julia Donaldson

IBSN: 978-1407170718
Age: 0 – 6 years

‘Stick Man lives in the family tree
With his Stick Lady Love
and their stick children three.’

But it’s dangerous being a Stick Man.
A dog wants to play with him, a swan builds her nest with him. He even ends up on a fire!
Will he ever get back to the family tree in time for Christmas? Perhaps Santa can help…

The Very Hungry Caterpillar – Eric Carle

IBSN: 978-0241003008
Age: 0 – 4 years

When a tiny caterpillar hatches from an egg, the first thing on his mind is food – so off he crawls looking for something to eat.

This classic picture book with bright, collage-style illustrations has been enjoyed by generations of children for over 50 years and has lost none of its appeal. Little fingers will love to follow the tiny caterpillar through the holes he leaves and to anticipate what he’s going to eat next as the page size increases with his appetite.

And with opportunities to learn colours, numbers and days of the week, this is certainly one of the best picture books ever.

Billy’s Bucket – Kes Gray

IBSN: 978-0099438748
Age: 3 – 5 years

Billy wants only one thing for his birthday – a bucket. Inside it, he can see all kinds of magnificent sea creatures. But Mum and Dad are sceptical and, when Dad unwittingly uses the bucket to clean his car, he’s in for a big surprise!

An Evening at Alfie’s (and other Alfie stories) – Shirley Hughes

IBSN: 978-1862307865
Age: 3 – 7 years

All is quiet at Alfie’s house – Mum and Dad have gone out and Maureen’s baby-sitting. Then… drip, drip, drip. It’s raining inside! The drip turns into a downpour and Maureen’s parents have to come round to deal with the burst pipe, but only Alfie can work out what’s worrying Annie Rose…
Join Alfie in this wonderfully warm celebration of brothers and sisters (and babysitters!).

Percy the Park Keeper Books – The Secret Path – Nick Butterworth

IBSN: 978-0007155187
Age: 3 – 6 years

Celebrate thirty years of Percy the Park Keeper and his animal friends with this funny story in the classic series from award-winning author and illustrator Nick Butterworth!

It’s a beautiful spring morning and a perfect opportunity for Percy the park keeper to trim the overgrown maze. But mazes can be rather confusing and when Percy’s animal friends decide to have some fun, everyone is in for a surprise…

Includes a fabulous fold-out maze poster!

Double Pink – Kate Feiffer

IBSN: 978-1416904908
Age: 4 – 7 years

When Madison’s first word was ‘pink’, it became immediately clear that she would be a girl who knew exactly what she wanted! Of course it is no surprise to anyone when she grows up to love all things pink. She wears pink clothes, she has her room painted pink, she eats pink food…she just can’t get enough Pink! But, after winning first prize at school on Wear Your Favourite Colour to School Day, Madison begins to realise that she has taken her love for pink a bit too far.

Isadora Moon Goes to School – Harriet Muncaster

IBSN: 978-0192744319
Age: 6 – 9 years

Half vampire, half fairy, totally unique! Isadora Moon is special because she is different. Her mum is a fairy and her dad is a vampire and Isadora is a bit of both. She loves the night, bats, and the colour black, but she also loves the outdoors, using her magic wand, and the colour pink. When it’s time for Isadora to start school she’s not sure where she belongs – vampire school or fairy school?

Bunny vs Monkey Books – Jamie Smart

IBSN: 978-1788451772
Age: 7 – 9 years

Welcome to the woods. It’s chaos in there! Bunny and his friends Weenie the Squirrel, Pig (the pig), Action Beaver and Skunky the Inventor lived a peaceful life in the forest – until Monkey’s rocket crash-landed and he decided to take over! Now Monkey is causing mayhem, Bunny is determined to put a stop to it, and… what’s that? It’s an out of control shark tank, ruining a lovely picnic!

You Aint Seen Nothing Yeti – Steven Butler

IBSN: 978-1788451772
Age: 8+ years

Fairies, leprechauns, ghosts and others are arriving full of cheer at a magical hotel to celebrate Trogmanay, a summer festival where humans are not welcome. Frankie and his family are surprised but happy when their yeti friends turn up unexpectedly from the Himalayas, bringing chilly climes with them. Maudlin Maloney is furious at having her sunny holiday ruined and hurls hexes in anger, cursing guests with itchy bottoms and short arms.

Punching the Air – Ibi Zoboi & Yusef Salaam

IBSN: 978-0008422141
Age: 12+

From award-winning, bestselling author Ibi Zoboi and prison reform activist Yusef Salaam comes a powerful YA novel in verse about a boy who is wrongfully incarcerated.

One fateful night, an altercation in a gentrifying neighbourhood escalates into tragedy. ‘Boys just being boys’ turns out to be true only when those boys are white.

Suddenly, at just sixteen years old, Amal Shahid’s bright future is upended: he is convicted of a crime he didn’t commit and sent to prison. Despair and rage almost sink him until he turns to the refuge of his words, his art. This never should have been his story. But can he change it?

With spellbinding lyricism, award-winning author Ibi Zoboi and prison reform activist Yusef Salaam tell a moving and deeply profound story about how one boy is able to maintain his humanity and fight for the truth, in a system designed to strip him of both.

 

0-5 years

 The Story of Ferdinand – Munro Leaf

IBSN: 978-0448456942

Once upon a time in Spain, there lived a little bull named Ferdinand. He didn’t like to run around and butt heads with the other little bulls – instead he liked to sit in the shade of his favourite tree and smell the flowers.

First published in the 1930s, Munro Leaf’s powerful, simple story about appreciating the beauty of the world and simply being yourself has never been out of print, and its clever portrayal of a big, strong animal normally associated with violence having no interest in fighting – preferring instead to enjoy quiet, gentle things – is remarkably forward-thinking for its time. Robert Lawson’s delicate ink illustrations are filled with expression and movement, and perfectly complement the book’s unusual black, white, and red colour scheme, as well as its gentle humour.

A beautiful, uplifting, and inspiring picture book, and one to read again and again.

The Tiger Who Came to Tea – Judith Kerr

IBSN: 978-0007215997

The classic picture book story of Sophie and her extraordinary teatime guest has been loved by millions of children since it was first published more than fifty years ago. Now an award-winning animation!

The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big furry, stripy tiger!

This warm and funny picture book story is perfect for reading aloud, or for small children to read to themselves time and again. First published in 1968 and never out of print, it has become a timeless classic enjoyed and beloved by generations of children.

The magic begins at teatime!

Five Minutes Peace – Jill Murphy

IBSN: 978-1406361902

This is the story of Mrs Large the elephant – who just needs five minutes of peace and quiet away from her boisterous children! So, taking refuge in the bathroom, she fills herself a hot, foamy bubble bath and takes in a tray of her favourite breakfast and the morning paper. But there’s never a dull moment with the Larges, and it soon becomes clear that mum’s quiet time is to be very short-lived!

Family life is beautifully observed in this warm and funny modern classic from Jill Murphy, one of Britain’s most treasured author-illustrators.

Brave Little Bear – Steve Small

IBSN: 978-1471192418

It’s time for Arlo’s family to leave their winter den and journey to Spring Valley, but
he isn’t so sure about all this change. Arlo likes their home just as it is; and after all,
his sister, Eva, is the brave one. But when a snowstorm separates them as they travel
through the Great Wood, Arlo finds that when it’s his turn to be brave, being afraid won’t
stop him from saving the day.

With heartwarming illustrations, this tender story by internationally acclaimed picture
book creator Steve Small is perfect for anyone who has ever been afraid of change.

Martha Maps it out – Leigh Hodgkinson

IBSN: 978-0192777782

Martha LOVES drawing maps. She creates maps of everything-even her thoughts and dreams! Let Martha be your guide as she welcomes you to her world. Starting in outer space, we zoom in page by page, to our planet, Martha’s community, and beyond to her dreams of a future where ANYTHING is possible. Full of quirky details and fun non-fiction labels that children will love poring over-they will discover cool new facts with every reading. Each map is imbued with an irresistible sense of excitement about the world and optimism for the future.

We’re Going to Find the Monster – Malorie Blackman

IBSN: 978-0241401309

Over the shimmering ocean, up the huge, high mountain, through the deep, dark forest . . . WE’RE GOING TO FIND THE MONSTER!

Join two intrepid adventurers as their imaginations transform their house into a wild wonderland – and their big brother becomes a mighty monster. A joy to read-aloud with its cumulative refrain, and full of funny, relatable characters, this is a contemporary celebration of creativity, fantasy and family.

6 – 8 year olds

Winnie-the-Pooh – A A Milne

IBSN: 978-1405281317

“Once upon a time, a very long time ago now, about last Friday, Winnie-the-Pooh lived in a forest all by himself under the name of Sanders.”

Winnie-the-Pooh may be a bear of very little brain, but thanks to his friends Piglet, Eeyore and, of course, Christopher Robin, he’s never far from an adventure.

This stunning edition of A.A.Milne’s world-famous story is once again brought to life by E.H.Shepard’s beautiful decorations which are shown in full, glorious colour. They are truly iconic and contributed to him being known as ‘the man who drew Pooh’. Milne’s masterpiece conveys a child’s imagination like no other story before or since.

Would You Rather? – John Burningham

IBSN: 978-0099200413

Would you rather that your house was surrounded by water, snow or jungle? Would you rather be covered in jam, soaked with water or pulled through the mud by a dog? How about being made to eat spider stew, slug dumplings, mashed worms – or drink snail squash? None of these? Perhaps, all things considered, you’d just like to go to sleep in your own bed.

Would You Rather? presents an alternative to a traditional story by imagining a mixture of fantastical and real-life choices. Some things are silly, like yucky food choices – but some are closer to home, like being lost in a shop or your mum having a row in a café, both of which might make children feel embarrassed or worried.

The format of the book and lack of judgement enables readers to talk together about what they’d rather do and why – important in building confidence with little ones about making their own choices for their own reasons. In this way, the book can be read for giggly, silly fun, or as part of a focus on choice and independence. Or both! As ever with John Burningham, the emotional perceptiveness of the book – and the sensitivity to how children think and feel – is aware, kind and thoughtful.

Dave and the Tooth Fairy – Verna Wilkins

IBSN: 978-1787415409

Dave has a wobbly tooth. He wibbles and wobbles it, but it won’t come out. But then one day Dave lets out an enormous sneeze and the tooth flies across the room and vanishes. Dave searches high and low, but it’s nowhere to be seen. How will he get the tooth fairy to visit him now?

This entertaining picture book, featuring BAME (black and minority ethnic) characters, a wheelchair user and a cheery grandson-grandparent relationship, is an absolute delight.

There is a wealth of thoughtful, humorous detail contained within the dynamic illustrations, which provide the reader with an insight into both Dave’s life and Afiya’s magical world. A marvellous book with broad appeal.

Charlotte’s Web – E B White

IBSN: 978-0141354828

This is the story of a little girl named Fern, who loves a little pig named Wilbur – and of Wilbur’s dear friend, Charlotte, a beautiful large grey spider. When Fern’s uncle decrees that Wilbur must become bacon, Fern, Charlotte, Templeton the rat and all Wilbur’s farmyard friends come up with an ingenious plan to fool the humans, and save their very special pig.

Joyful, funny, and deeply moving, Charlotte’s Web is a story about the power of friendship, and celebrating what makes everyone special.

Under the Moon and Over the Sea – John Agard and Grace Nichols

IBSN: 978-1406309591

This joyful collection of more than 50 poems superbly conjures the sights, sounds and rhythms of the Caribbean. Traditional rhymes sit alongside works from contemporary poets, including John Agard, James Berry, Valerie Bloom, Grace Nichols and Benjamin Zephaniah.

Divided into five sections, each of which encompasses a different aspect of island life and features artwork from a dedicated illustrator. Winner of the 2003 CLPE Poetry Award, this engaging compilation is rich with Caribbean culture and dialects. Perfect for reading aloud or performing, it will bring poetry to life for a young audience.

Older children and teens

Are You there God, Its Me Margaret – Judy Blume

IBSN: 978-1529043068

A hilarious coming-of-age tale. Meet Margaret – she’s going through all the same things that most teenage girls have to face: fitting in, friendships, bras and periods.

Life isn’t easy for Margaret. She’s moved away from her childhood home, she’s starting a new school, finding new friends – and she’s convinced she’s not normal.

For a start she hasn’t got a clue whether she wants to be Jewish like her father or Christian like her mother. Everyone else seems really sure of who they are.

And, worst of all, she’s a ‘late developer’. She just knows that all her friends are going to need a bra before she does. It’s too embarrassing to talk to her parents about these things.

So she talks to God instead – and waits for an answer . . .

Artichoke Hearts  – Sita Brahmachari

IBSN: 978-1529076394

Winner of the Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize, Artichoke Hearts by Sita Brahmachari is an incredibly insightful, honest novel exploring the delicate balance, and often injustice, of life and death – but at its heart is a celebration of friendship, culture, and life.

Twelve-year-old Mira comes from a chaotic, artistic and outspoken family where it’s not always easy to be heard. As her beloved Nana Josie’s health declines, Mira begins to discover the secrets of those around her, and also starts to keep some of her own.

She is drawn to mysterious Jide, a boy who is clearly hiding a troubled past and has grown hardened layers – like those of an artichoke – around his heart. As Mira is experiencing grief for the first time, she is also discovering the wondrous and often mystical world around her.

Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone – J K Rowling

IBSN: 978-1408855652

Join Harry Potter as he sets out on the magical journey of a lifetime in the first book in J.K. Rowling’s multi-award-winning series.

Harry Potter has never even heard of Hogwarts when the letters start dropping on the doormat at number four, Privet Drive. Addressed in green ink on yellowish parchment with a purple seal, they are swiftly confiscated by his grisly aunt and uncle. Then, on Harry’s eleventh birthday, a great beetle-eyed giant of a man called Rubeus Hagrid bursts in with some astonishing news: Harry Potter is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. An incredible adventure is about to begin!

 The Boy at the Back of the Class – Onjali Q Rauf

IBSN: 978-1510105010

The Boy at the Back of the Class is a child’s perspective on the refugee crisis, highlighting the importance of friendship and kindness in a world that doesn’t always make sense.

There used to be an empty chair at the back of my class, but now a new boy called Ahmet is sitting in it.

He’s nine years old (just like me), but he’s very strange. He never talks and never smiles and doesn’t like sweets – not even lemon sherbets, which are my favourite!

But then I learned the truth: Ahmet really isn’t very strange at all. He’s a refugee who’s run away from a War. A real one. With bombs and fires and bullies that hurt people. And the more I find out about him, the more I want to help.

That’s where my best friends Josie, Michael and Tom come in. Because you see, together we’ve come up with a plan. . .

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – C S Lewis

IBSN: 978-0008663032

Open a door and enter a magical world…

Four adventurers step through a wardrobe door and into the land of Narnia – a world enslaved by the power of the White Witch. When almost all hope is lost, the return of the Great Lion, Aslan, signals a great change . . . and a great sacrifice.

Supported by The Wilson – Cheltenham’s Art Gallery

To support our Winter Storytime, the Wilson, Cheltenham’s Art Gallery, will be displaying any artwork produced by children about their favourite books or what being at home means to them. We are ever so grateful for their support.

Alex helped guide Benjamin home

Benjamin spent the first eleven months of his life in hospital. He’d already had several life-saving operations and relied on a ventilator to keep him alive. Find out how, with WellChild Nurse called Alex by their side every step of the way, Benjamin’s parents were able to bring their little boy home in time for his first birthday.
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Benjamin and his dad with WellChild Nurse Alex

We know these are difficult times and every pound is precious. Any amount you can support us with is precious too.

When your gift is combined with others we can make it go a long way to help fund more WellChild services for seriously ill children all over the UK.

£25 funds an hour of support – from the point of diagnosis for as long as we are needed.

£50 helps fund a training session so a family can learn to care for their child at home.

£150 funds half a day of a nurse like Alex to guide more children and families home.