Description
Our team at connected baby is thrilled to bring you our very first children’s book!
The Little Iceberg tells a story of hope and loss, revealing the healing power of friendship and belonging. We’ve brought together a great team with author Nicky Murray and illustrator Sylvia Lynch.
The book is accompanied by a Guide that helps adults better understand how to support children in moments of fear, distrust and anger. Every page of the story points to small actions adults can take to help children coping with trauma. The Guide elaborates on those ideas.
Dr. Karen Treisman, international trauma specialist, has this to say about the book:
“A sensitive and moving story…A wondering addition to the world of trauma and relationships.”
Keen to know even more about the story? Here’s a taster from the back cover:
“The little iceberg holds a secret. She not just cold and lonely. She’s frightened too. It is a little bird, singing songs of compassion, who helps her find a place of belonging. This is the metaphoric story of a child who is able to embark on a journey of healing because she no longer has to cope with loss and trauma on her own.”
Discounts are offered on orders of 31+ items. If you’d like to be invoiced for a bulk order, please get in touch via our Contact Page.
You might like to read the reviews that are being published about the book. You can find those in our Reviews Section.
You might also like to know that schools are finding very creative ways to put The Little Iceberg to use. We are delighted to hear every story, such as this one from St Monica’s Primary School in Glasgow. They sent this impressive and touching video to us as a Christmas gift.
UPDATE 6th August 2020
Local Headteacher’s Success With Book To Support Children’s Mental Health After COVID-19 Lockdown
Melanie Stuart, who purchased the 1000th copy of The Little Iceberg
Local publisher, connected baby Ltd, based in Dundee, is experiencing high levels of interest in their new children’s book, The Little Iceberg, which was published during lockdown. The book grew out of the insight of Headteacher, Nicky Murray, who wrote the story to help children with their mental health.
Nicky Murray, Author
Nicky says, “Hearing about the positive impact that the book has had on families who have been finding their way through upset and worry during these times has been amazing. With schools returning, and the renewed focus on wellbeing, I hope many more families and schools can use this story to help with recovery. I am overwhelmed to have reached the milestone of selling 1000 copies in only six weeks.”
The book’s unique strength is that it uses a metaphoric story to explore feelings that are often overwhelming and hard to talk about. The book is being included as part of many schools’ recovery curriculum, with the accompanying guide, Making Sense of Trauma, helping adults to recognise the signs a child is experiencing sadness or loss.
Sylvia Lynch, Illustrator
Dr. Suzanne Zeedyk, a developmental psychologist and founder of connected baby, explains, “Our team works hard to raise awareness of childhood trauma and the impact this has on thousands of young lives each year. This book is another way of supporting our society in understanding and responding to difficult emotions. Sylvia Lynch, who was the winner of our 2018 Illustrator Competition, brought the characters to life through her vivid artwork.” Sylvia adds, “I’m so pleased that there are so many copies of The Little Iceberg now out there, helping to make a connection with children, many of whom are coping with trauma and loss.”
Copies have been shipped as far as Canada, USA and Australia, with some families already ordering Christmas presents. Some schools are buying copies for every classroom. In England, the NHS across Derby and Derbyshire have taken a leading regional step by sending copies to more than 400 primary schools. A representative of their Clinical Commissioning Group says: “We took this decision because this resource, with its stunning visuals and written words, offers our staff a tool to support pupils’ wellbeing by helping them to explore emotions in a safe and controlled manner.”
Part of the profits from this book are being donated to the charity Super Ruby’s Rhabdo Raiser as part of the Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group, in support of local girl Ruby Stewart, who died in January 2020.
Trade and bulk orders are available by contacting hello@connectedbaby.net.
We are delighted to share news of reviews and press coverage the book has received:
- Adoption UK, Oct 2020:
https://www.adoptionuk.org/blog/the-little-iceberg?fbclid=IwAR1gWDVKjwRCcqJJRaHtNs7mG4o2ANizSleVBeYVhdJVwdK4OTIDjxK6wCc - The Relentless School Nurse, July 2020: https://relentlessschoolnurse.com/2020/07/03/the-relentless-school-nurse-the-little-iceberg-a-story-of-healing-through-connection/
- The Courier, August 2020: https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/dundee/1511143/dundee-head-teacher-pens-book-to-support-childrens-mental-health-post-lockdown/ACE-Aware Netherlands, December 2020
https://aceaware.nl/en/2020/12/25/melting-the-little-iceberg-a-childrens-story-about-healing-through-connection-2/
Laura Kinnear from Uphall Primary, West Lothian –
We were all very inspired by the book. The children were able to explore their own emotions using the story as a stimulus. Perfect for our post-lockdown return to school!
Charis Robertson –
I gave this book as a gift to my niece. She was particularly engrossed, with lots of questions and ideas about who the iceberg was and what the bird was doing. Then she was sitting looking at it alone later and came through and asked, “Is this fiction? Like, I know it’s not a true story, but is it a good-thoughts-about-life book?” So I think she got it!
Gillian, Teacher –
I read ‘The Little Iceberg’ to my class today. If ever there was a story written for me and everything I believe in, this it. Thank you!
Thrive Approach, Devon –
The Little Iceberg and its companion guide are a useful resource to help children to process trauma and loss with the added ability to underline and explain key themes in the story. We would recommend it to anyone who would like to help their young people to gently explore themes such as anxiety, anger, loneliness, connection, compassion, kindness, friendship, trust and loss.
Susan Ross –
This book tells such a powerful story….having worked in the socially, emotionally and unimaginably abused sector for over 12 years…this book is inspirational for everyone involved in the care and rehabilitation of these broken bodies because of its simplicity, pure honesty and true hope…
Brilliant collaboration…life changing book…
…”you guys done good”…
Emma Hemmings –
What a lovely book! Illustrations are beautiful. Wonderful way of helping children through a traumatic experience and particularly loss, helping them to understand that people who care for them are there to help them through it and how they can do this. Helping them to open themselves up to receiving help. Beautifully written and produced.
Jennifer Fraser –
Thank you for The Little Iceberg. It is amazing. My daughter loves it, and I can’t wait to use it with my class.
Anna Shimmield, Primary School Teacher –
Thank you for this book! It spoke to me as a person who lost someone close to me without a goodbye, and also as a practitioner and a book lover. I think it will be a very valuable tool when supporting families and the children that I teach. Simply beautiful.
Joanne Hogan –
This story book will speak directly to many children. it may be very likely that the Companion Guide will speak directly to their parents. It makes the science endearing, and I love the science getting to everyone.
Knightsridge Primary School, West Lothian –
We are so excited to introduce this beautiful book to every child. A meaningful story that will resonate with all, beautifully illustrated. A valuable resource as we move forward.
Bonnybroom Nursery, Glasgow –
So…I’ve just opened it to start reading and this book is LUSH! It feels beautiful and sumptuous. It’s smooth and glossy. It has brought me joy, I feel spoiled and I haven’t even read the story yet!! …and now I’ve read it. The story is simple yet complex. The book can be used with children, families and as a staff training tool. The Companion Guide is an excellent addition. Easy to read and understand. Great to help with planning our recovery curriculum. Well done everyone and thank you. I am delighted to have a copy.
Carol Thomson –
So pleased to have my copy of this beautifully illustrated story. The Companion Guide provides more depth, to ensure the many emotions around loss are not missed. Thank you.
Deborah McAllister, Deputy Head, St Bride’s Primary School Cambuslang, South Lanarkshire –
Absolutely thrilled to receive my copy of ‘The Little Iceberg’. The Companion Guide is so valuable to deepen understanding about the themes of trauma and how to apply this understanding to begin a journey towards healing. Our school have bought copies for every class!
Margaret Aitken –
This is a lovely meaningful story, beautifully illustrated and highlighting the importance of kindness. It will definitely be a valuable resource.
West Yorkshire Child Therapy, Leeds –
Gorgeous delivery of this delicious book! Wonderful story, metaphors and illustrations from Nicky Murray and Sylvia Lynch. Thanks for the prompt delivery. I can’t wait to share this with the young people I work with.
Lynburn Primary School, Nurture Classroom, Dunfermline –
Received and read my copy of The Little Iceberg. Healing on every page. A beautiful story. The illustrations are enchanting. Accompanied by a fab Companion Guide. Possibly the best non-threatening storybook to support the recovery of trauma.
Liam, Member of a Kinship Care Family –
I just love this book. In the few days since I received it, I have read it four times (twice with my niece), and each time I appreciate the layers of understanding more. The story, the metaphors, the imagery, and the illustrations are so so beautifully resonating. The Little iceberg IS my niece. This book has really helped me to be able to see her behaviours from a place of curiosity and compassion and to feel hope. Hope is perhaps the most heartening message within the book – that although ‘challenging’ or ‘difficult’ behaviours are rooted in trauma and distress, recovery is possible.
The Companion Guide is a wonderful addition that really helps unpick the metaphors and explore the key messages and themes, but most importantly HOW we can help our children. If you are a Kinship Carer, I can’t recommend this book and Companion Guide enough. What an incredible contribution to understanding trauma and what we can do to begin a journey of recovery with our children.
The synergy between the storyline and it’s illustrations are stunning. My niece loves them!
Sue Trudgian –
This such a sweet story, and easily understandable for young children. I can see an adult reading it to a child, explaining little bits along the way, and allowing the child to absorb the message. It’s easy to read without being too childish, it’s not overly complicated (a good thing IMHO), and the images are superb. I also like that there is a humble little sparrow-like bird as the Iceberg’s friend – something children will see most days as a reminder!
“Look for the sparrow and you’ve found a friend.” 🙂
I love the transformation of the Little Iceberg 🙂
Thomas Lynch, Co-Founder of Dads Rock –
It can be hard, as adults and especially as men, to be vulnerable alongside our children. This book will be a great help for Dads when they need to talk with their children about loss and sadness.
Hazel & Andy • Adoptive parents of a beloved son –
This is a beautifully written and illustrated book. It feels gentle and yet explores powerful themes that we can explore with our son and discuss together over time. This will be a treasured addition to our collection of books.
Renee Clark, Psychodynamic Psychotherapist –
This invaluable book projects playfulness, like a fairy tale, in which children can easily engage and work through the fear and anxiety of experiencing loss. The book helps adults who can understandably feel helpless in knowing what to do when a child is traumatised.
Deborah McAllister •Deputy Head, St Bride’s Primary Cambuslang –
I absolutely love this beautiful story. It reminds us of the healing power of relationships. Parents and children and those who support them will find comfort and connection through the joy of sharing this book together.
Callum • Age 9 –
The rating I give this book is infinity out of infinity!! You feel safe when you see the rainbow.