Latest Updates
It’s been a little quiet over here lately, but Willow Books is still very much alive behind the scenes. 💚 Sometimes I get so busy helping children and families through Willow Therapies that I forget to talk about the books I created. I wrote the Max the Mind Magician series because I wanted children to have stories that did more than entertain. I wanted them to help children understand worries, build confidence and learn calming techniques in a gentle, magical way. If you’ve never seen my books before, I’d love you to have a look. And if you already own one, I’d really love to know… ✨ Which book is your favourite? ✨ Has your child got a favourite character or part of the story? Every comment, share and recommendation really does help a small independent author reach more families. And… I’ve been quietly working on something new behind the scenes too. More on that very soon. 👀💚
✨ I’ll be at the Chestfield WI Wellbeing Event tomorrow (10th May) from 2pm–4pm ✨ I’ll be there with Willow Therapies & Willow Books, selling my Max the Mind Magician books at a special discounted price of just £5 each 📚💚 If you’ve ever been curious about hypnotherapy for yourself, your teenager or your child please feel free to come and have a friendly chat. No pressure at all, just a chance to ask questions and learn a little more about how I work. Would love to see some friendly faces there 😊 #WillowTherapies #WillowBooks #Whitstable #Chestfield #Hypnotherapy #ChildrensMentalHealth #AnxietySupport #Wellbeing #HypnotherapyForChildren #KentSmallBusiness
I haven’t spoken about my books for a while… Life, work, everything else just kind of takes over sometimes. But for anyone new here (and for those who’ve been here a while and maybe forgot 😊) I wrote a series of children’s books called Max the Mind Magician. They’re not just stories. They gently teach children ways to understand their thoughts, calm their worries, and feel a bit more in control in a way that actually makes sense to them. I use the same ideas in my therapy room every day, just written in a child-friendly way. No pressure to buy I just wanted to share them again because they’re something I’m really proud of If you’ve got a child who struggles with worry, big feelings, or overthinking, they might help. 💬 If you’ve read one, I’d genuinely love to know what you/your child thought.
Can I ask a gentle question? What does worry look like in your child? Loud? Quiet? Tearful? Snappy? Or hidden behind “I’m fine”? That question is one of the reasons I wrote Max the Mind Magician: The Worry Storm. This isn’t a book about stopping worry or fixing children. It’s about helping them understand what’s happening in their mind and body in a way that feels safe, calm and reassuring. Through the story, children gently learn: • why worry can feel so big • simple calming tools that feel like play • that they’re not “too sensitive” or “doing it wrong” Parents have shared things like: “My child asked to read it again.” “They finally found the words for their worry.” “We use the technique before school now.” If your child struggles with anxious thoughts, big feelings, or emotional overload, this book can quietly support those moments especially when talking feels hard. 💚 Written by a mum and hypnotherapist 📘 Meant to be read together 🌱 Gentle, practical and reassuring
✨ A gentle story for big feelings ✨ If your child sometimes feels worried, overwhelmed, or unsure how to calm their busy mind, Max the Mind Magician: The Worry Storm was written just for moments like those 💛 It’s a warm, reassuring story that helps children understand their worries in a gentle, non-scary way using imagination, kindness, and simple calming ideas they can come back to again and again. Parents often tell me they love that it’s not just a story, but something they can use at bedtime, before school, or after a tricky day. There’s even a section at the back to help grown-ups gently build on the techniques in everyday life. If you’re looking for a comforting book that opens up conversations about feelings (without making a big deal of them), Max the Mind Magician: The Worry Storm might be a lovely addition to your bookshelf 🌱 📚 Available now via Willow Books 💬 Perfect for ages 4–9 🤍 Written with real children, parents, and feelings in mind Thank you, as always, for supporting small authors and stories that care.
🎄 A Little December Support for Little Minds This time of year is magical… but it can also be overwhelming for our children. School gets busy, routines wobble, and there’s so much excitement that their minds don’t always know what to do with it. As a mum, I know how hard it is watching your child struggle with big feelings. And as a therapist, I know how powerful simple, child-friendly tools can be when they’re wrapped inside a story that makes sense to them. That’s why I created the Max the Mind Magician books. They’re more than stories they’re gentle guides children can actually use to feel calmer, braver and more in control. And they include a section for parents and teachers so you can support them too. If you’re looking for a Christmas gift that’s meaningful (and genuinely helpful), or something to support your child through December’s ups and downs, my books might be the little bit of magic they need. 💛 You can find them online — and I’m always here if you’re not sure which book suits your child best. Willow Books ✨
🌿 Stories that calm worries, build confidence, and teach lifelong coping tools 🌿 Younger children don’t always have the words to explain what’s going on inside they just feel it. That’s why stories are such a powerful way to help them make sense of their emotions. Each Willow Books story gently weaves in real hypnotherapy-based techniques teaching children how to find calm, feel safe, and believe in themselves through imagination and story. At the back of every book, there’s a section for parents and teachers, explaining each technique and how to build on it at home or in the classroom. Because when children understand why they feel the way they do they begin to grow with confidence and calm. 💚 📚 Willow Books Helping children understand their minds through magical stories.
Sometimes, all it takes is one story to help a child feel understood. That’s why I created Max the Mind Magician gentle, magical books that help children make sense of their worries, feel calmer, and realise… their mind is magic. 📚 Available now at willowbooks.uk 💫 Perfect for children who feel “too much” sometimes and for the grown-ups who want to help them understand why. Written by Rebecca Holley, creator of Willow Books #WillowBooks #MaxTheMindMagician #MindMagic #ChildrensBooks #EmotionalWellbeing #ParentingCommunity #ChildAnxietySupport #KidsBookstagram #NeurodiverseKids #PictureBooks #CalmKids
📚 Sometimes all it takes is one story to help a child see their mind in a whole new way. At Willow Books, my stories aren’t just books they’re gentle adventures that help children understand feelings, calm worries, and discover their own little bit of mind magic. 💭 Whether it’s learning to calm a “Worry Storm” or exploring “The Control Room” inside their mind, each page helps children build confidence and emotional awareness in a way that feels fun and comforting. ❤️ If your child ever feels a bit overwhelmed, or you just love stories that make a difference take a peek at my books. 👉 www.willowbooks.uk 👇 Tell me below what kind of mind magic do you think every child should learn? #WillowBooks #ChildrensBooks #EmotionalWellbeing #MindMagic #ParentingSupport #TheWorryStorm #TheControlRoom #RebeccaHolley #BooksThatHelp
🪄 No broomsticks. No potions. No spells. Just one brave little magician who teaches children the real kind of magic how to calm their mind. This Halloween, light up your child’s imagination (and soothe their worries) with Max the Mind Magician. A perfect bedtime read for spooky season 👻 #WillowBooks #HalloweenVibes #MaxTheMindMagician #PositiveParenting #CalmKids
✨ Something new and exciting is coming to Willow Books… ✨ I’ve been thinking would you find it helpful to have a book for parents that gently explains why children and teenagers feel anxious, how it affects the whole family, and offers practical, easy-to-use ways to help everyone cope? 💛 It would be written in the same warm, relatable style as the Max the Mind Magician stories just this time, for the grown-ups who support them. What do you think? is this something you’d love to see on your bookshelf? 📖💬 #WillowBooks #ChildAnxietySupport #ParentingHelp #MentalHealthAwareness #AnxietyInChildren #WillowFamily
Have you ever noticed how children’s imaginations can heal things grown-ups can’t? A bump on the knee becomes better with a “magic plaster.” A bad dream disappears when they hold a special toy. A worry feels smaller when they imagine blowing it away. That’s the beautiful power of a child’s mind they already have the tools to feel calm and confident… they just need a way to remember them. That’s exactly why I wrote the Max the Mind Magician stories to help children use their imagination to understand their feelings and discover their own kind of “mind magic.” 🌟 Because sometimes, the greatest therapy comes in the form of a bedtime story. 💚 📚 Willow Books — helping children’s minds grow calm, confident, and kind. #WillowBooks #ChildrensMentalHealth #MaxTheMindMagician #MindMagic #ParentingSupport #EmotionalWellbeing #StorytimeMagic
So grateful to the amazing team at Parkers Creative Partners who printed the Max the Mind Magician books to absolute perfection. 📚 Their support for Willow Books and commitment to children’s mental health means so much. It’s always inspiring when local businesses come together to make something positive for our community. If you’re looking for exceptional design and print work I couldn’t recommend parkers creative partners enough #ParkersCreative #WillowBooks #SupportLocal #ChildrensBooks #Whitstable #MentalHealthAwareness
🔮If Max’s Wand Could Do Anything… In the Max the Mind Magician stories, his wand helps children find calm, courage, and brighter thoughts. But imagine if his wand could grant any wish in the world… What would your child choose? • A treehouse that touches the clouds? • A never-ending ice cream? • A world with no worries at all? Pop their answers in the comments – kids always come up with the best (and funniest!) ideas, and who knows… you might even see one pop up in a future story 😉 #WillowBooks #MaxTheMindMagician #ChildrensBooks #ReadingMagic
Calming Tip for Kids (and grown-ups too!) When your child feels worried or overwhelmed, try the “Bubble Breath”: 🫧 Ask them to imagine blowing the biggest, slowest bubble. 💨 Breathe in deeply through the nose, then blow out gently as if filling the bubble with air. ✨ Watch it float away, carrying some of their worries with it. This simple visual helps children focus, slow down their breathing, and release tension. It’s one of those little tools that can turn big feelings into calm moments. In The Worry Storm and The Control Room, Max the Mind Magician uses the same kind of imagination tricks to help children find calm when they need it most. Because sometimes, the most powerful magic is learning how to breathe.
Today I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Tor from Bon Bon Cakes. Not only does she make the most beautiful (and delicious!) cakes, but she’s also kindly chosen to endorse Willow Books and pop Max the Mind Magician on their showcase shelf! It means so much to have local businesses supporting both a local author and children’s mental health. Every little share of Max’s story helps children (and parents) know they’re not alone with their big feelings. Next time you’re in Bon Bon Cakes, keep an eye out for Max on the shelf and maybe treat yourself to something sweet while you’re there! 🍰💛 Thank you, Tor, for helping Willow Books shine a little brighter in our community.
Children’s books fact: Just 10 minutes of shared reading a day can boost your child’s wellbeing as much as their literacy. That’s why I created the Max the Mind Magician series stories that spark imagination while gently supporting emotional wellbeing. 👉 Explore the books here: www.willowbooks.uk #ChildrensBooks #EmotionalWellbeing #ParentingTips #MaxTheMindMagician #WillowBooks
🌟 Looking for books that help children with BIG feelings? At Willow Books, every story is more than just a bedtime read – it’s a tool to help children (ages 5–9) manage worries, build confidence and believe in themselves. 💖 📚 The Worry Storm – for anxious thoughts 📚 The Control Room – for confidence & calm Loved by parents, teachers & therapist across the UK.
Hi everyone, I’m Rebecca, a mum of four and children’s therapist who also writes stories to support children’s wellbeing. My first book, Max the Mind Magician: The Worry Storm, helps little ones understand and manage those overwhelming worries that can feel like a storm in their mind. Through Max’s adventure, children learn calming techniques in a gentle, reassuring way. The books are designed to be read together whether at bedtime or in the classroom and to open up safe conversations about feelings. 💜 If you’d like to take a look, you can find them here: www.willowbooks.uk
Every parent wants their child to feel calm, confident & happy That’s why I wrote the Max the Mind Magician series stories that help children manage anxiety, big feelings & self-esteem, all through the power of imagination. 📖 Gentle stories, big impact. ✨ Order today at 👉 www.willowbooks.uk #BooksThatHelp #EmotionalWellbeing #AnxietySupport #WillowBooks
✨ Exciting news! ✨ Willow Books now has its very own website You can find out more about the Max the Mind Magician series and even buy your copy directly from here 👉
✨ Is your child feeling a little worried today? ✨ Sometimes those big feelings can feel overwhelming, but just a few moments of calm can make all the difference. 💛 This short guided meditation with Max the Mind Magician is designed especially for children — helping them pause, breathe, and feel safe again. 🌈 👉 Pop it on for your child when they need a little boost of calm — whether before school, after a busy day, or anytime those worries pop up. Because even the smallest moments of calm can create the biggest magic. 🌟 #ChildrensWellbeing #MindMagic #CalmKids #ParentingSupport
How’s your child feeling now they’re back at school? 🎒 For some children, returning to school brings excitement, new friends, and happy routines. For others, it can stir up big feelings — worries, tiredness, or even stormy moods. Max the Mind Magician reminds us that all feelings are welcome 💭✨. Talking about them is the first step to helping children feel calmer and more confident. 💬 Tell us in the comments — how has your child been feeling this week? (You might be surprised how many parents are feeling the same!) 💛 #BackToSchool #ChildrensMentalHealth #ParentingTips #MaxTheMindMagician #PrimarySchoolLife #WorryStorms #BigFeelingsSmallPeople
A Huge Thank You to Movement for Health I just want to say a big thank you to Movement for Health for endorsing Willow Books and supporting children’s mental health! 💛 It means so much to have the backing of another local business that cares as deeply as I do about helping children manage their feelings and build emotional resilience. Working together as a community makes such a difference for our little ones. 💫 If you’re local to the Chestfield/Whitstable area definitely check them out! #WillowBooks #MaxTheMindMagician #ChildrensMentalHealth #WhitstableBusiness #CommunitySupport #LocalLove#movementforhealth
🌧️ Has a worry storm ever visited you? Ellie is feeling one right now… but Max the Mind Magician is here to help! ✨ What do you think Max should do to help Ellie calm her worries? 💭💡 Share your ideas in the comments — Max would love to hear them! 💜 #MaxTheMindMagician #BigFeelings #KidsWellbeing #ChildrensBooks #WorryStorm
🌟 A huge thank you to Pinkies in Whitstable for their lovely support! 🌟 Children’s mental health is something very close to their hearts, and we’re so grateful that they’re helping to spread the word about Willow Books and the Max the Mind Magician series. 💛 It means so much to have a local business backing a local author and championing children’s wellbeing in our community. 🧠✨ Thank you, Kellie, Kelsey and Marie your support really does make a difference! #Whitstable #WillowBooks #ChildrensMentalHealth #LocalAuthor #CommunitySupport #pinkies
Parenting isn’t easy — especially when your child feels overwhelmed. Here are 5 signs to look out for 💡 plus simple ways you can help them feel safe, calm, and supported. 🌈 Vist willowhypnotherapy.co.uk for more information. 💬 Which of these signs have you noticed in your child before? #PositiveParenting #CalmParenting #MindfulParenting #ParentingSupport #ChildWellbeing #ParentsOfInstagram
A huge thank you to Life Clinics Hypnotherapy - Training, Therapy & Coaching for their amazing post about me and Willow Books! 💚 They’re the ones who trained me as a hypnotherapist, and I honestly wouldn’t be doing what I do today without them. Forever grateful for their support and incredible training! 🌟 #WillowBooks #LifeClinicHypnotherapy #MaxTheMindMagician #Gratitude https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1775xvRQWK/?mibextid=wwXIfr
🌟 New! Free Magical Certificates with Every Book Purchase 🚀✨ Did you know that when you buy any of my Max the Mind Magician books, you can choose a free personalised certificate to celebrate your little one’s achievements? 🎉 You can pick from: 🎂 Birthday Certificate, make their day extra magical 🪄 🎄 Christmas Certificate, signed by Max himself ✨ 🏆 Mind Magician Award, perfect for special moments like “First Week Back at School” or any other proud milestone! Every certificate is designed to match the magical world of Max and is a lovely way to boost confidence and celebrate your child’s progress. 📚 Order your book today → www.willowhypnotherapy.co.uk 🎁 Choose your free certificate at checkout! Because every child deserves to feel like a Mind Magician. 💛 #MindMagician #ChildrensBooks #ConfidenceBoost #FreeCertificate #BackToSchool #ParentingTips
🌧️✨ New Free Colouring Page! ✨🌧️ Does your child sometimes get caught in a worry storm? This free colouring page gives them space to draw or write their worries inside the storm cloud, helping them release big feelings in a safe and creative way. 🎨💭 👉 Download it today and let your little one turn their storm into something they can share and manage. #MaxTheMindMagician #WorryStorm #KidsWellbeing #MindfulParenting #BigFeelings #ChildrensMentalHealth
✨ A big thank you to JKP Hairdressing for endorsing Willow Books! I’m so grateful for their support in raising awareness around children’s mental health and wellbeing. Every book I create is designed to help children manage their feelings in a gentle, empowering way – and knowing local businesses are behind this mission means the world. Together, we can make a real difference for little minds. #WillowBooks #ChildrensMentalHealth #CommunitySupport #MindMagicians
🌟 Help your child manage worries, big feelings & confidence with Max the Mind Magician! 🌟 These children’s books make emotions easier to understand through magical stories that teach calming tools. Perfect for parents, teachers & therapists. 📚 Explore the full series here www.willowhypnotherapy.co.uk
✨ Tag a parent who could use a little calm today ✨ Parenting is tough, and sometimes we forget to take a breath for ourselves. 🫶 One simple tip: try a 60-second reset — close your eyes, inhale slowly for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 6. Even one mindful minute can bring you back to calm 💛 💬 What’s your go-to way to recharge during a busy parenting day? #ParentTips #CalmParenting #MindfulParenting #ParentLife #ParentingSupport #PositiveParenting #ParentWellbeing
✨ From Classroom to Storybook Magic ✨ Before I became a hypnotherapist, I worked as a teaching assistant supporting children with additional needs. I saw firsthand how big feelings and worries could shake a child’s confidence. As a mum of four and a trained Hypno4Children practitioner, I’ve learned gentle, practical tools to help children feel calmer and more resilient. 📚 Writing the Max the Mind Magician series felt like the perfect next step — blending my background in education, my therapy training, and my passion for helping children. Through Max’s adventures, kids discover fun strategies for managing worries, while parents and teachers get practical tips to use at home or in class. Max isn’t just a character — he’s a toolkit for confidence. Visit willowhypnotherapy.co.uk to grab your copy 🌟 #ChildrensBookPublishing #ChildrensBookAuthor #PictureBookAuthor #KidLitCommunity #ChildrensBookPublishers #ChildrensBookIllustration #PublishingUK #KidsBookSeries #AuthorsOfInstagram #ChildrensBookIdeas
🌿 Creating a Calm Corner for Kids 🌿 A calm corner is a safe, cosy space where children can go to relax, reset, and manage their big feelings. 💬 Parents — what would YOU put in your child’s calm corner? Share your ideas below 👇 Here are a few things you could include: 💛 Soft cushions or beanbag 📚 A few favourite books 🎧 Headphones with calming music or stories 🌈 Fidget toys or sensory items 🕯 LED candles or fairy lights 🌿 A plant or nature-inspired decoration 🖍 Drawing materials or a colouring book 🫧 A calm jar or glitter bottle It’s all about making it welcoming, comfortable, and somewhere they want to be. #PositiveParenting #ChildWellbeing #MindfulKids #CalmCorner #EmotionalRegulation #KidsMentalHealth
🪄 Quick Tip with Max: The Happy Place Portal 🚪✨ Sometimes, our minds get busy with big feelings — but Max knows a magical way to step into calm. Here’s how: 1️⃣ Close your eyes and imagine a beautiful, glowing door appearing in front of you. 2️⃣ On the door is a special key — turn it slowly and open the door. 3️⃣ Step through into your Happy Place — it might be the beach, a forest, a treehouse, or even a floating castle. 4️⃣ Look around — what can you see, hear, and smell? 5️⃣ Spend a few moments enjoying your Happy Place until your body feels calm and your heart feels lighter. 💡 Why it works: The brain doesn’t know the difference between a real safe place and an imagined one — so visiting your Happy Place can instantly calm your body and mind. #QuickTipWithMax #ChildrensMentalHealth #HypnotherapyForKids #CalmKids #MindfulnessForChildren #KidsAnxietySupport #MaxTheMindMagician
✨ Did you know hypnotherapy can help children feel calmer, sleep better, and boost their confidence? Through gentle stories and guided imagination, kids learn fun tools to manage worries, focus at school, and handle life’s ups and downs. 💛 willowhypnotherapy.co.uk #ChildWellbeing #PositiveParenting #MindfulKids #KidsMentalHealth #CalmConfidentChildren
✨ Unboxing magic! ✨ Last week, I had the absolute joy of opening this box filled with Max the Mind Magician: The Worry Storm 📚💫 Seeing all these copies ready to help children understand and manage their emotions made my heart so full. If you haven’t grabbed yours yet, now’s the time! 🌟 📖 Order your copy today at willowhypnotherapy.co.uk and let Max sprinkle a little mind magic into your home. #MaxTheMindMagician #TheWorryStorm #ChildrensBook #MindMagic #EmotionalWellbeing #ParentingSupport #BookLaunch #KidsMentalHealth #WillowHypnotherapy
🌟 DIY Slow-Motion Calm Jar for Kids You’ll need: A clear jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid Baby oil (or mineral oil) Warm water Food colouring Sequins or small beads Super glue (optional, for sealing lid) Instructions: 1️⃣ Fill half the jar with warm water. 2️⃣ Add food colouring (a few drops) to the water and stir. 3️⃣ Pour in baby oil until the jar is almost full, leaving a small gap at the top. 4️⃣ Drop in sequins or small beads for extra sparkle. 5️⃣ Seal the lid tightly (add super glue if you want it child-proof). 6️⃣ Shake gently and watch the coloured water and oil swirl slowly before separating. ✨ How it works: The oil and water don’t mix, so the glittery sequins float slowly, creating a calming, hypnotic effect. #MindfulnessForKids #EmotionalWellbeing #EmotionalRegulation #AnxietySupportForKids #ChildWellbeing #CalmDownJar #MindfulMoments
I'm so delighted that Whistabubbles Nursery are endorsing Max the Mind Magician! 🌟 This amazing nursery goes above and beyond for little ones, especially children with additional needs, and their flexible hours make life easier for families. A huge thank you to Fiona and the Whistabubbles team for supporting Willow Books and helping us share Max’s message with even more children 💛 #maxthemindmagician #whitstabubbles #childrensbooks #localbusinesssupport #WillowBooks
Please follow my new TikTok account thank you I appreciate your support
Does your child struggle with anxiety at school? 🏫💭 You’re not alone, many children experience overwhelming feelings during the school day, from separation anxiety to worry about friendships, teachers or tests. If you've noticed your child feeling nervous before school, complaining of tummy aches, or withdrawing from activities they used to enjoy, it could be school-related anxiety. 💬 Comment below or visit willowhypnotherapy.co.uk if this sounds familiar — let’s open up the conversation and support each other. 💛 #SchoolAnxiety #ChildAnxietySupport #BackToSchoolUK #AnxiousKids #MentalHealthMatters #ParentingTipsUK #PrimarySchoolStruggles #UKParents #EmotionalWellbeing #MaxTheMindMagician #HelpingChildrenThrive
