Today it is my pleasure to introduce you to Australian author and illustrator Josh Langley who advocates for children’s mental health, including developing their self-esteem, friendship skills and creativity through his books and online course. These topics are close to my heart and regularly appear in our readilearn posts and feature in our teaching resources.
With next Wednesday 21 April being World Creativity and Innovation Day, I thought now was the perfect time to share with you Josh’s recent post Why It’s More Important Than Ever to Let Kids Daydream.
First let me tell you a little about Josh.
About Josh:
Josh is author of the award winning ‘Being You is Enough’ books series for kids and promotes positive mental and emotional health messages for kids through his books, presentations, primary school talks, videos, charity work and courses, like ‘Here I am!’.
Josh says,
“After suffering childhood trauma, I feel driven to make sure kids don’t ever have to feel like I did. That’s why I want to give them the emotional and mental skills to be resilient to what is thrown at them and the inner knowing that they are ok the way they are. And the only way I can do that is in my own fun and unique way! Thankfully parents and kids love it.”
About Josh’s Books
Continue reading: The Importance of Daydreaming and Imagination — a Guest Post by #Josh Langley – readilearn
much needed and greatly appreciated Josh! That first title alone is ‘enough’ and crucial for many adults too …
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed they are, Kate.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I do agree–both of these are important and under-appreciated. I’ll click through and see what Josh says.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jacqui. 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you for writing your books for kids. It makes all the difference in the world. And thank you, Norah. Josh, your illustrations are much like a popular American writer and illustrator, Sandra Boynton.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your kind words, Jennie. And also for mentioning Sandra Boynton. I had a look at her website. I see what you mean.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome, Norah! I’m glad you saw the similarities.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such an inspiring interview. I was a big daydreamer as a child. Kids need to have dreams because it does impact their self-esteem and their futures. If kids don’t imagine and dream, I’ve read that they are less likely to succeed in college (if that’s even a dream) and everything in life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m not surprised you were a daydreamer too, Patricia. I agree with what you’ve read. Our imaginations take us to places we’ve never been before.
LikeLike
sounds like Josh is doing important work – I wish him much success…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jim.
LikeLiked by 1 person
.Love this. When there’s so much emphasis on doing it’s great to focus on being. Kids are force-fed activities, yet being bored can lead to great things.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That is so true, Anne. I love your phrase ‘focus on being’.
LikeLiked by 2 people
The ability to dream, fantasize, or use our imaginations is one of life’s most precious gifts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true, Pete. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
A lovely interview, Norah I haven’t heard the phrase “off with the fairies” for a long time..that was me and I still daydream…Dolly Daydream was my nickname…Have a great weekend 🙂 x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Daydreaming is a great past-time. The more the better. Enjoy your week, Carol. 🙂
LikeLike