We all have memories of school textbooks filled with page upon page of bland text and uninspiring example questions. Quite honestly, modern educational books can also be a little tedious to sit through, feeling more like a formal lecture than an enthusiastic learning experience. But this beautifully illustrated series of educational books, which I stumbled upon whilst seeking material for my teenagers, has reignited my own love for personal development as well as theirs.
More like sitting down for a cup of tea with a wise and kind mentor, who actually gets it, it’s a joy to read through this book as a family, thoughtfully bridging generations and shared life experiences alike. As a mother, I’m always seeking new ways to help my children to adapt to adult life, from being more thoughtful and considerate to confident and caring in their words and actions.
I chose the book “Nurse Dorothea presents not Taking People and Things for Granted”, as I wanted to bestow upon my children my own sentiments and values as a Buddhist, without it sounding or feeling like a lecture from Mum. This book is a toolkit for them to implement into their own lives in their own way; it’s one thing to be told what to do by an adult, and another to be inspired to do something for yourself, based on a desire for personal progression and self-love rather than expected perfection.
The Story Behind The Series
The series was created by a registered nurse who named the lead character, Nurse Dorothea, after the legendary Dorothea Dix who was a 19th-century advocate fighting to change how we treat mental illness.
The vision for the series is so calming and refreshing, as it centres upon removing the stigma around mental health and helping us to find our equilibrium. The books are set in a fictional after-school club where Nurse Dorothea chats with a group of students about all of the major obstacles that we face on the path of life from stress, anxiety and anger to using social media, having healthy relationships and navigating grief.
The first thing that stands out for me about these books is how they look. They are so beautifully illustrated, but not in a cartoonish or childish way. The striking artwork and thoughtful, colourful style has been expertly created to engage the brain through more than just words. A mindful moment of deep understanding and reflection, each image is just as poignant to behold as the words on the page itself.
The next key difference is the layout of this book. With large and clear text it makes it easier for younger audiences to read, as well as adults, in bitesize chunks that don’t feel as overwhelming as tightly packed small font that leaves you squinting and distracted. Within each part of the book, Nurse Dorothea actually speaks directly to you, the reader, asking questions and providing the space and encouragement to reflect upon her words, which organically turns reading into a meaningful conversation, rather than a passive activity.
My children and I use these moments to sit around the dinner table and share our thoughts with one another, each with a unique and personal perspective on such meaningful points. It’s a moment that I cherish deeply, and warms my heart, as I am able to experience the minds of my teenagers which may have otherwise stayed silent or unconfident about such important topics.
A Hybrid For All Ages
I feel that this series fill a really specific niche between storybooks and self-help manuals, the meeting of education and empathy. They provide the perfect script for group settings in school and clubs to inspire meaningful conversation, and help children and adults alike to talk about life’s most important subjects at home, without feeling awkward or unseen.
And for the solo reader, it’s refreshing to have important aspects of life explained, and to be reminded of the things that we turn a blind eye to or overlook, in a more kind and patient way. Some days it call feel like we’re speaking a completely different language to our friends, family or children, and getting more than a one-word answer to sensitive subjects can feel groundbreaking.
What I love about the Nurse Dorothea range is how it bridges that gap without feeling forced or cringey to my children, as the books use real-world reflections from the students in the series, my two find themselves nodding along. It’s not a formal lecture from me, but more like we’re all exploring these big life themes together which gives us a neutral ground to talk honestly and openly without it feeling like I’m prying into their private lives.
It’s been so refreshing to see them engaging with mental health topics in a way that feels empowering rather than heavy, and it’s definitely brought us closer together during what can be solitary and turbulent teen years for many.
Not Taking People and Things for Granted
This book hits on the universal habit that we all have, forgetting to appreciate the person who makes our morning coffee, the friend who always listens, or even just the ability to go for a walk. The book uses participant reflections, which are stories from the students in the club, allowing it to feel incredibly real and meaningful as an interaction.
There is also poetry to add an extra layer of thought and emotion, serving as a gentle wake-up call that leaves you feeling more grounded and, honestly, just a lot happier with what you already have. We can all undoubtedly benefit from nurturing gratitude.
We often forget that learning is actually a health hack. Diving into a new book to refresh or explore an entirely new topic doesn’t just give us information, but keeps our brain resilient. When we learn how to better manage our emotions through stories like Nurse Dorothea’s, we’re able to lower our stress levels and giving our mental wellbeing a well needed boost.
So if you’re looking for a book that feels like a hug for your heart and mind, that you’ll happily pass onto your loved ones after reading, then I highly recommend the award-winning mental health Nurse Dorothea series. There is something wonderfully valuable and uplifting for everyone.
