Written and illustrated with warmth, humour and sensitivity, this excellent book, part of the Copper Tree Class series, tackles the subject of family break-up. Hana is confused and upset because her parents are going to live separately, and all the children in class notice how sad she is. Their teacher Mr Davis finds a way to explain the situation to her – and to readers – in a way that shows clearly that it’s not her fault, and that life will get better. He uses sunflower seeds too to show that Hana will grow and be happy, and find her place in the world no matter what. It’s a clever, reassuring way of talking about a subject relevant to very many children.
The fourth book in the popular Copper Tree Class series deals with divorce and family break up.
When Hana's parents decide to split up, the children of the Copper Tree Class rally round to help cheer her up. Tom's Sunflower covers feelings of displacement and shows children that, while things may change in their lives, each child will continue to have their own unique place in the world.
Hilary Robinson has consulted leading experts and organisations involved in supporting children and families dealing with divorce and separation to ensure the storyline is appropriate for young children, including Gingerbread, the UK’s leading and most high profile charity for single parents, to which the book is dedicated.
In Tom’s Sunflower, a new Copper Tree series book, Hilary Robinson explores the effects divorce and family break-up can have on children, often resulting in feelings of displacement and self-worth, all within the framework of an accessible story to help young children gain a better understanding of the issue.
42% of marriages will end in divorce, 48% of which will involve children, according to the latest figures (2012, Office of National Statistics). As a consequence, the issue of separation, family break-up and divorce is one that will touch many children’s lives.
"This book represents a celebration of a child’s right to be heard and for explanations to be tailored to meet their needs. Written in simple language with a gentle nuance of humour and love, Tom’s Sunflower is a teeny triumph." Peter B. Forster, Chartered Counselling Psychologist
Praise for the Copper Tree class series:
"Hilary Robinson and Mandy Stanley create ground breaking picture books that deal with topical issues in a very sensitive way." Ruth Humphreys, children’s book specialist, librarian and storyteller.
“It is so refreshing for a series of children’s books to cover such challenging social issues in such a sensitive manner, and so beautifully illustrated too.” Lorraine Kelly
“Inspiring” Fiona Phillips
“Charming” Joanna Lumley
“Book of the Week” YOU magazine, Mail on Sunday
“There are lots of important issues raised by this story, all covered gently and sensitively” Juno
“This is a thoughtful story… vibrant and colourful pictures are in tune with the words” Carousel magazine
“Sensitively handled and beautifully produced, this gentle and reassuring text with expressive illustrations will provide help to children facing bereavement in a number of different situations’. Books for Keeps
"the best collaboration between an author and illustrator I have ever seen." Jo Cumming, former bookbuyer for W H Smith.
“This beautifully illustrated book is aimed at children between the ages of four and seven. It would be a rewarding book to read alongside your child to help them with their understanding of adoption.” Adoption Today Magazine
“Soft pencil and watercolour illustrations create a gentle and comforting atmosphere in which children can explore ideas of love, family and belonging.” Little Parachutes
Author
About Hilary Robinson
Hilary Robinson is an award winning radio producer and author of over 50 picture books. Awards include the 2016 Historical Young Quills Award for ‘Flo of the Somme.’ Radio credits include Private Peaceful for BBC Radio 2 and her series for Barry Humphries Forgotten Musical Masterpieces was listed as one of the top 30 artistic triumphs of 2016 by the Telegraph. Extracts from her book 'A Song For Will and the Lost Gardeners of Heligan' were read on BBC Radio 4. Follow her on Instagram here.
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