Children’s Book:
‘What Does Healthy Mean?’
Holistic health for young children.
ABOUT THIS BOOK:
“The importance of both physical and mental health is now well established in the field of child health. However, exactly how these two areas of health interface is rarely discussed in children’s literature. This book aims to do just that: to teach young children about how the body and the mind affect each other.
Since 2020, the topic of health has become unavoidable. Dr Hartley had many discussions with her own children when they asked her the question: ‘What does healthy mean?’. Inspired by those conversations, she has translated and distilled the most important messages from the latest research in the fields of public health, nutrition, epigenetics, trauma-informed embodiment practices and attachment theory.
This timely and accessible book is packed with practical, simple and achievable suggestions about how young children can better enjoy full health, both now and in the future. It is offered as a go-to resource to introduce this topic and to prompt informed discussions with young children aged between 3 and 6.
Dr Hartley is uniquely positioned as a health researcher and therapeutic yoga teacher. She has conducted pioneering research into holistic health for children and families at the Universities of St Andrews and Edinburgh”.
Here’s a preview of what’s inside…
What people are saying about it…
“A lovely, clear and simple-to-understand message for children of all ages…and adults.”
Jacqui Mitchell, Teacher
“What a lovely little book for teaching little people about feeling good in body and spirit, and how to promote these feelings! It can also be read as a great checklist for the end of the day for children to reflect on all the things they did to promote good health.”
Dr Nicola McMillan
“As a mother of two young children and as someone who is passionate about holistic health and supporting children to be empowered in themselves, I found this book to be a delightful and joyful way to approach these topics. Self-care is something I want my children to be inspired to cultivate within themselves with a deep understanding of what health and wellbeing really incorporates. A lovely little book to refer to again and again!”
Lynsey Gate, Teacher, Hypnotherapist, NLP and Reiki Master
“This little book is a real find. It’s been great fun to read with my two young grandchildren, and has been the trigger for some very interesting chats about what ‘healthy’ means. It’s so refreshing to see a book looking at these issues holistically. Do hope it reaches lots of families with young kids.”
Linda Bailie
“Teaching children about holistic ways to manage health is an essential part of parenting. Dr Jane Hartley’s book is a brilliant conversation-starter for children, parents and families to find ways to be healthy together.”
Laura Wilson, Founding Director at Edinburgh Community Yoga
“This is a joyful read to share with your children and affirms for us all what healthy choices we can make.”
Vicki Cook, TRE Certification Trainer
“Charmingly illustrated, What Does Healthy Mean? is a great resource for parents and teachers alike. The book explains to young children what health is and how to feel and be healthy in a holistic way, and provides much material for enabling talking with your child about health. A must for any library!.”
Hazel Barker
“As a father I feel the weight of wanting my kids to be healthy and happy, but also unburdened (as I can feel after reading so much on the topic!). The beauty of this is that it translates all that complexity into a series of the simplest principles on how to approach life, and what should be important when you cut through all the noise. It’s been just as helpful for me as it seems to have been for them – I’ve read the book with both my kids (aged 4 and 6), and it has lead to further questions from them and nice positive chats about what they do (and don’t sometimes despite my best attempts!).”
Adam Richardson
“This book shares a beautiful message in a simple way for kids to understand and value. My 6 year old son especially loved the part where kids are encouraged to spend time with people that love them and whom they love. I think every child should have a chance to reflect on the values that this book teaches. Many thanks to Jane for contributing to the world with this beautiful creation.”
Ainhoa Pinero
“Jane’s book is a lovely, simple, easy to understand message for all age groups although it is targeted at young children. A good conversation-starter. It would be lovely to see this in nurseries and primary schools.”
Lynn Sutherland
“Just bought your book for kids. It's absolutely FANTASTIC. Thank you for putting that out there.”
Lorna Blanchard
“Engaging, happy, informative, cute, clever. My two kids loved this book. Thank you.”
Nicole Chinnappen
“We loved this book! Definitely a conversation-starter with the wee ones, which is what all good books should do. You should do more!”
Clidna Soraghan
And some more reviews…
“I really love the book, it’s so important to get children to understand these simple things from early on. Imagine how the world would change for the better if every child grew up understanding the important connection between their body and minds, and were fully aware of their own power to make positive changes!”
“This book takes a gentle approach at helping to open up the conversations of physical and emotional well-being to little ones. Families could tailor and expand upon the existing gentle phrases when looking at holistic health from a specific faith’s perspective as well.”