A Leeds-based author is celebrating the release of her first book, The Girl with a Big Heart, which aims to help children and young people navigate their emotions. Jo Smedley, the author behind the project, marked the launch with an exclusive event at The Leeds Library on 7 November.
The launch featured book readings, a Q&A session, and the opportunity for attendees to learn about Jo’s inspiration and journey from idea to publication. Reflecting on the event, Jo described it as an emotional milestone. “It’s so touching to see people being genuinely moved by the stories in The Girl with a Big Heart,” she said. “I’m over the moon with the support it has received so far.”
Addressing Mental Health Through Storytelling
The book, aimed at children, features ten short stories centred around a young girl with a wobbly tooth. Each tale explores complex emotions as the protagonist helps animal friends understand and resolve their own feelings during shared adventures. Jo said the inspiration for the book came from her growing concerns about the mental health struggles faced by young people in the UK.
“I wanted to create something that makes difficult conversations easier for parents and children,” she explained. “The response has been overwhelming. Parents have told me that reading the book with their children has helped them talk about feelings, and teachers say it’s a valuable resource in the classroom.”
Recent figures from The Children’s Society reveal that one in six children aged 5 to 16 are likely to have a mental health problem, with overall happiness among children in the UK declining. Jo hopes her book can play a small part in addressing this growing issue.
Community and Reader Support
The book has already gained traction among families, teachers, and community groups. Many readers are buying additional copies to donate to schools and local libraries, a trend Jo describes as humbling. “It’s wonderful to see people recognising its value, not just for their families but for others as well,” she said.
With Christmas approaching, Jo noted that many buyers are gifting the book to loved ones. “It seems that lots of stockings this year will be filled with The Girl with a Big Heart. That’s the best feedback I could hope for.”
Jo remains optimistic about the book’s ability to make a difference, saying her ultimate goal is to help children and young people better understand and cope with their emotions. The Girl with a Big Heart can be purchased from all good bookshops and is also available on Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/aCgZuhB
