Me and My Brian
Navigating family and mental health with humor and warmth.
Helen Rutter author Claudia Petrazzi illustrator
Format:Paperback
Publisher:HarperCollins Publishers
Published:12th Sep '24
Should be back in stock very soon
This touching story explores Josh's relationship with his brain, Brian, highlighting family dynamics and the journey towards understanding mental health.
In Me and My Brian, the story follows Josh, a young boy who has an unusual relationship with his brain, which he affectionately names Brian. Brian can be a source of great ideas and support during tests, but he also has a darker side, often amplifying Josh's worries and insecurities. This duality of Brian's influence makes life challenging for Josh, especially when he starts to internalize the belief that his family’s troubles are his fault. The narrative explores the complexities of mental health in a relatable and humorous way, emphasizing the importance of understanding and support from loved ones.
When tensions at home escalate, Josh finds himself living with his grandma in a remote shack. Initially, the change amplifies Brian's voice, leaving Josh feeling overwhelmed and out of control. However, as he spends time with his grandma, helping her with gardening and daily chores, he begins to discover a new perspective. His grandma's wisdom and empathy provide him with the tools he needs to manage Brian's influence, teaching him that he is not alone in his struggles.
Through gentle humor and heartfelt moments, Me and My Brian offers readers an insightful look at family dynamics and the journey toward self-acceptance. It serves as a reminder that, with the right support, it is possible to find peace amidst the chaos of our thoughts and emotions.
"It’s such a clever, funny and moving story. What a wonderful way to remind us how to keep our chattering brains (or Brian’s) in-check now and then. The power of a brilliant storyteller!" – Lisa Thompson
"This is a beautiful story about the similarities between people from different generations and the ability to be mutually helpful to each other … It will be both affirming and challenging to anyone struggling or who has struggled with their mental health." – Books for Keeps
"Reassuring, authentic normalising of the complicatedness of family & our own busy brains. The beauty of holding space for each other of quietening unhelpful thoughts." – Teacher
"This would make a fantastic book for discussing mental health, additionally normalising discussion around mental health, particularly in boys." – Mini Midnight Reads, blog
"Heartwarming, witty and packed full of hope … A charming, relatable novella showing support for intergenerational friendships and giving strategies to combat anxious brains, Me and my Brian is a powerful story with some gorgeous illustrations that you’ll love!" – Check 'Em Out Books, blog
"So poignant and heartwarming, this fabulous story talks about children’s mental health in such a clever way for readers to understand. Many readers will identify with Josh … hopeful, powerful and clever" – Little Posts of Library Treasures, blog
"Thought-provoking, beautifully written and one which – like her other stories – deserves a place in every primary school library." – Mrs Sydney's Famous World's Smallest Library, blog
"This is such a great book for children to read, mental health is real issue that people of all ages struggle with and this story helps explain so much of it." — A Paper Girl A Paper Town, blog
ISBN: 9780008672928
Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 7mm
Weight: 110g
88 pages