Two local psychologists launched the first book in a series called Mentanimals, aimed at children’s mental wellbeing.
The first book, Scratch: The Anxious Hedgehog, was introduced at a function held at the Bloemcare Psychiatric Hospital on Friday, 13 September.
Esté Pistorius worked alongside Jaco van der Merwe to create this new guide to support children between the ages of four and nine years who battle with anxiety.
She explains Mentanimals is a series of books written and illustrated with lots of love to teach children skills to use if they struggle with psychological challenges.
In the first book Scratch, a anxious hedgehog, goes looking for his pet ladybug, Dot. On his journey, Scratch must face many things that make him anxious and with the help of friends, he learns skills to handle these challenges.
“We do not intend to remove a child’s anxiety, for everyone needs a certain amount of anxiety to function. It is just important to manage it right,” Pistorius explains.
She says the book has some valuable tips for therapists, educators, and parents to teach children to deal with anxiety and being scared.
There are also other Scratch items like pencil holders and toys, coffee muggs, and even a Scratch stress ball for sale. These items are intended to remind children about Scratch and the usefull skills his story teaches them in dealing with anxiety.
In the following books Pistorius and Van der Merwe will tackle subjects like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
One reader can win a copy of Scratch: The Anxious Hedgehog on the BloemNews Facebook page. Visit and like the page today, 19 September, and like the entry on Scratch to stand a chance to win.
Bloemcare is looking for the cutest crochet or cloth soft toys of Scratch for children between the ages of four and nine years.
Hand in your handmade toys before 31 October and stand a chance to sell your creation for profit. All handmade toys will be donated to children at Ons Kinderhuis.
Get by phoning Nicole Shead at 079-514-8947.
