Sheffield illustrator launches duo of mindful books for kids aged 5-8

“I remember as a kid creating funny characters, with crazy bendy arms and legs, and funny outfits,” laughs the 34-year-old.

“Drawing was always my favourite thing to do from a really early age.

“I even thought about being a fashion designer for a while, but ended up transferring to a degree in illustration at Huddersfield University, and haven’t looked back since.”

Today, Josephine is a professional illustrator living and working in Sheffield.

She has provided illustrations for a number of books, including The Mumsition, by the creators of Mush.

Her latest project is a brand new duo of books focusing on mindfulness and wellbeing for little ones - a fitting subject in the middle of a global pandemic.

Josephine, who lives in Crookes, says: “Like so many people, I’ve suffered from anxiety in the past, and only started to learn about cognitive health as an adult - if I’d learned about it as a child, I might have found it easier to deal with life’s knocks as I got older.

“It’s amazing to see children learning about mental health from a young age, and I’m so

proud to be involved in a project that does just that.”

The books, ‘Chill Out’ and ‘It’ll Be Okay,’ are published by Upside Down Books, and the proceeds from the release will go to The Shaw Mind Foundation - a global charity that focuses entirely on mental health.

The books, aimed at children aged 5-8, encourage children and young people to embrace their feelings.

Each book is packed with puzzles, games and creative activities with mental health at their core, to help soothe the mind and bring a little bit of peace to a child’s day.

“The intention is for mindfulness and feelings to become relatable and enjoyable, to not only engage children, but to assist with their understanding,” adds Josephine, who worked for Hallmark, creating greeting cards, before making the move into books.

The books were released on August 6 and are available from all major bookshops, as well as Amazon, and Josephine’s Etsy page.