"It's really good Andy! I'm mailing it to my teacher friends!"
"An amazing tool to help parents."
"The way it is written actually helps parents understand."
"What a wonderful teaching resource!"
FUN. ENGAGING. EMPOWERING. EDUCATIONAL. IMPORTANT.Maia and the New School is a wonderfully illustrated resource for parents and teachers to help explore feelings of anxiety, friendship, peer pressure and worry in children. The colourful, hand drawn illustrations support the writing and provide a visual representation of the changes that Maia goes through as her story unfolds.
With its relatable and simply told storyline, and through effective use of illustrations to bring Maia's world to life, Maia and the New School explores what happens when we begin to hide who we are in order to conform and fit in. This book provides a safe and kind platform to stimulate conversation and discussion with children and young adults around issues such as anxiety, peer pressure, worry, fear and friendship.
In its simplest level, Maia and the New School is a story to be enjoyed by children and adults of all ages. By using colourful illustrations to bring the world of Maia to life, we are able to see what happens to Maia as she tries harder and harder to conform and to go against her true self. To help a younger audience, the voices that Maia hears are depicted as a little green monster and of a talking heart. These are the symbols of head and heart and help to show that often, there can be a struggle between the two.
Maia's story shows the importance of maintaining our own special uniqueness. It has been written as a means of encouraging thought and conversation around feelings and emotions that can arise from friendship and peer pressure.This is a story that reminds us why it is important to always be true to ourselves, no matter what anyone else thinks. It is a story about following your own light and being the real you.
Maia and the New School is more than a story, it is a valuable aid in helping people to grow and to be their true self. It is the first book in the Finding Your Light Within series.
Note: This edition is a large size (21.59cm x 21.59cm / 8.5" x 8.5") picture book featuring full colour illustrations. A black and white, illustrated chapter book version is also available.
Synopsis
Maia's family have moved home and Maia has to start a new school. She is anxious to fit in with everyone and make new friends. The week before school starts, Maia begins to hear a voice that will not stop talking to her and will not go away. It tells Maia that she will need to change herself and to hide who she is, if she is to make friends at her new school.Find out what happens to Maia as she begins to listen to the voice. Can Maia make a new friend and how does the voice begin to change her..?
Say "Kia ora!" to Maia and let Maia help you and your loved ones. She told me that she would absolutely love to do that.
