Children’s book to help hospital charity

Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospital’s director of infrastructure, Dr Kirsty Edmondson-Jones, is donating 50 per cent of the royalties from her book 'Butterflies, Worms, Giggles and Tickles – An interactive Elf-Help Book for Children Who Worry', to the Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals’ Charity.

The book, which introduces neuroscience concepts using child-friendly language to help young readers understand feelings of worry and anxiety, was published in October last year and is available to purchase on Amazon.

In its first week of publication, the title entered the Top 100 Best-Selling Children’s Science Books category on Amazon at number 63, rising to number 35 by week two.

Dr Edmondson-Jones’ explained that she chose the donation pledge rather than a one-off sponsored event to “ensure ongoing support long into the future” for the charity which supports DBTH to provide additional equipment, services and amenities for patients, visitors and staff which cannot be funded by the NHS alone.

Butterflies, Worms, Giggles and Tickles introduces children to the physical and emotional sensations associated with worry, using relatable terms such as 'wriggly worms' and 'fluttering butterflies.'

The book teaches that these feelings are not just a natural response, but that it is ‘very clever brain science’, and importantly includes simple, evidence-based strategies grounded in neuroscience and mindfulness to help children take control and return to calm.

Dr Edmondson-Jones said: “I wanted to do something that could continue giving back to the Trust and its patients for many years to come.

“Writing and illustrating this book is a lovely way to educate children and support their wellbeing while also hopefully creating a steady income stream for the hospital charity.

“If my interactive books help children feel calmer and more confident, while also helping our hospitals, then that’s a wonderful outcome.”

The book is the first in a planned series of children’s neuroscience books.

The second instalment, entitled The Cuddle Bear – A Bear’s Purpose, will explore confidence and self-esteem, and is expected out this summer 2026.