PRESS RELEASE: Melbourne mum releases timely Children’s book ‘Matilda and the Bear’ in the hope to encourage conversation around worries and anxiety from an early age

PRESS RELEASE: Friday 6th November 2020
Melbourne mum releases Children’s book ‘Matilda and the Bear’ in the hope to encourage conversation around anxiety from an early age
Emma Macey, a media professional and mum-of-two based in Melbourne, has released a heart-warming story that connects with young children (2-8yo) through simple, versed paragraphs paired with beautiful and emotive illustrations that capture her story beautifully.
‘Matilda and the Bear’ starts off with the main character, a young girl Matilda, acknowledging some ‘funny and sad’ feelings for reasons that she cannot explain. She leaves her room to go and talk to her parents about some fears and worries that she sometimes experiences.
Through this one gorgeously captured and age appropriate conversation, Matilda gives her parents examples of times when she has felt a bit worried or afraid. Her parents carefully approach the topic by normalising these feelings and provide Matilda with some simple strategies to help them go away.
“For our society to effectively reduce the impact of mental health issues, we need to create a safe space for conversation which will in turn help remove the stigma attached” says Emma. “All the mental health conditions we experience at some point in our lives will have started by age 14 (1) and 6.9% of children and young people (aged 4 to 17 years) have suffered from an anxiety disorder in the past 12 months(2)’, so it is important that we start these discussions early”.
Before publishing this book, Emma ensured thorough research into the topic by interviewing health professionals, teachers, early childhood educators and parents to ensure the advice, message and tone is supported.
Within a day of release hit Amazon top seller lists in Australia, UK and USA. The Kindle edition of Matilda and the Bear will be available for free download from 7pm Thursday 5th November through to 7pm Tuesday 10th November at https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/064896423X?pf_rd_r=3YPRYMECD8YKPWYJ3AYQ&pf_rd_p=558ffe2 2-ad34-4ebc-a2bd-441cd3d357aa
‘Matilda and the Bear’ is available on Amazon in both print and Kindle editions along with distribution to over 40,000 retailers globally.
If you would like to request an interview or have any further questions, please contact Emma Macey at [email protected] or 0401522394
Contact info
Name: Email: Address: Phone:
Emma Macey
[email protected]
18 Toumlin Grove, Viewbank VIC 3084 0401 522 394

References:
1. Lawrence D, Johnson S, Hafekost J, Boterhoven De Haan K, Sawyer M, Ainley J, Zubrick SR. (2015). The Mental Health of Children and Adolescents. Report on the second Australian Child and Adolescent Survey of Mental Health and
Wellbeing. Canberra: Department of Health.
2. Commissioner for Children and Young People WA. (2015). Our Children Can’t Wait – Review of the implementation of recommendations of the 2011 Report of the Inquiry into the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people in WA, Perth: Commissioner for Children and Young People.