March 14, 2025For Children
We Wrote Some Books! The Hey Kid! Series
We're thrilled to introduce the Hey Kid! series, Heartwood's own three-book collection designed to empower children, encourage self-expression, and promote inclusivity. Inspired by real questions that come up in counselling practice, the series includes Hey Kid! Your Voice Matters, Hey Kid! What is Gender?, and Hey Kid! Your Body is Amazing!, each brought to life with vibrant artwork by illustrator Emily Hull.
Every book gives kids (and grown-ups) language and confidence for topics that can otherwise feel hard to start: self-advocacy, gender diversity, and body positivity.
March 4, 2025Neurodiversity
Unmasking Autism by Devon Price: Becca's Choice for Understanding Neurodiversity
Recommended by former Heartwood clinician and neurodiversity expert Becca Keller, Unmasking Autism takes a compassionate, critical look at how society pressures autistic individuals to mask their true selves, and the toll that takes. Price makes the case for embracing neurodiversity and creating environments where autistic people can thrive without hiding who they are.
It's a valuable resource for parents, educators, and clinicians looking for language to talk about autism more openly and accurately.
February 22, 2025For Parents
The Invisible String: Patrice Karst
A gentle, powerful tool for helping children process big, invisible emotions like love, grief, and separation. The story's central metaphor, an unbreakable string connecting the people who love each other no matter the distance, gives kids a concrete way to understand connection that persists through anger, distance, or loss.
Especially helpful for children navigating separation anxiety, grief, or a parent's travel. The series continues with The Invisible Leash (pet loss), The Invisible Web, and The Invisible String Backpack (school anxiety).
February 12, 2025For Parents
Parenting Game-Changer: The Whole Brain Child
Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson combine neuroscience with practical parenting strategies in this widely recommended read. Key ideas include integrating the logical left brain with the emotional right brain, building "mindsight," the ability to understand one's own mind and others', and shifting from punishment-based discipline toward connection.
A go-to recommendation for parents looking to respond to their child's behaviour with more insight and less frustration.
