Abstract

Boy built a wall to keep himself safe. Behind it he felt strong and more protected. Then Someone Kind came along. She bounced a ball, sang and painted on the other side of the wall, and Boy began to wonder if life on the other side might be better after all.

Written for children aged 4 to 9, this gentle full-colour picture book uses a simple metaphor to explain how children who have had painful or traumatic experiences can build barriers between themselves and other people. It will help children explore their feelings and encourage communication.

The Boy Who Built a Wall Around Himself brings crucial awareness for children and the adults who care for them, that behind all difficult behaviours there is deep emotional pain.

The strategy of defence only makes the pain bigger, but this compassionate, succinct and perceptive book shows the utter transformation possible when an 'enlightened witness' sees through the wall to the core distress within.

This story offers hope to any child struggling to manage painful and overwhelming emotions; and it is a compelling message for parents, carers and teachers that the results of tending to underlying feelings can be astonishing.

Virginia Mallin, Psychodynamic Psychotherapist
The book would be useful to parents to help their child understand their thoughts and feelings - it prompts questions and opens up conversation - and also good for a primary school library or PSHE lesson.
Julie Griffin
BACP Children and Young People

Ali Redford is an adoptive parent of siblings who has worked in education, theatre and marketing. She has been through a lot of family therapy and, on a good day, seems to be coming out the other side, touch wood.
Kara Simpson is a freelance illustrator and mother of two. They live in the South of England.

This remarkable picture book should be winning prizes for both its textual simplicity and the innovative and quite beautiful art work. For a child who has suffered emotional or physical abuse, it will be the kind of life-line that can provide true healing and a sense that the world can be a good place after all. An invaluable resource for those dealing with damaged children.
HealthyBooks
I really enjoyed this book, as did my children. The gentle but insightful storytelling matched the fantastic illustrations. This is a book that can easily be returned to again and again by families as children grow. It will provide a platform for many parents and children to have conversations about life stories and challenging experiences and offer hope for restoration and love.
Al Coates, adoptive dad, social worker and blogger