Tiny Tree signs Ffion Jones' 'powerful' picture book on anxiety

Tiny Tree has signed Whispa and the Waves, a "powerful" picture book exploring anxiety and mindfulness, from Ffion Jones and illustrator Elena Mascolo. 

Publisher James Shaw acquired worldwide rights directly from the author following a round of open submissions. The book will be published in July 2024. 

Whispa and the Waves follows an anxious young memaid named Whispa whose worries "get bigger and bigger until they cause a storm to build. With each new worry, she is sucked deeper into the stormy seas". 

The publisher added: "Through mindful relaxation techniques, Whispa manages to calm the waves and make her way back to shore. Other storms will come, but she knows she will able to ride the waves." 

"I often work with children who are struggling with anxiety for a variety of reasons,” said Jones. “My hope is that Whispa will help children like my daughter, and the children I work with professionally, to feel validated and to work through emotions that can sometimes feel overwhelming. Books like Whispa can be used to gently open doors to conversations while also providing comfort and reassurance."

Shaw commented: "I was floored when I first read Whispa. The story is so important right now and showcases the ways that anxiety can affect people. Elena’s illustrations are incredible. Her work makes this book even more powerful."