The Good Thing About Bad Days

­­­Child-friendly but deep. A great resource to help children cope well with difficult times and emotions. A book of excellent, easy to understand ideas that both help children to healthily express and manage their emotions and build resilience, and parents and carers to know how they can support them.

Sue Monckton-Rickett
Chair of the Association of Christian Counsellors

An imaginative treasure trove of ideas and activities, this insightful book helps young readers get through the ups and downs of their emotions.

Joanna Buglass
BSc (Hons) AdvDip (Counselling) MBACP, professional counsellor

Helen Hay
BA (Hons) MA CQSW, social worker

Dr Claire Parsons
MB ChB, retired GP

The Good Thing About Bad Days is a beautifully designed book. It explores the range and depth of mental discomfort that a young person may be going through and invites them to explore it in a safe and moderated way. Margaret McAllister’s text is accessible and reassuring, Nigel Baines illustrations are age-appropriate, pertinent and inviting. The book is interactive and designed to allow a child the space for personal examination and expression. As a parent I would have found this book valuable simply as a framework for addressing mental stress that is both positive and healing. It is something I would certainly give to any struggling young person as a gift. It was written by a Christian and there are various references to faith, but these would not prevent someone of another faith, or of no faith, finding it helpful. Personal, powerful and professionally supported, this is a book with an approach that I think many parents, carers and children’s practitioners will appreciate.

Karenza Passmore
Director of the North East Religious Learning Resources Centre

This book is heartwarming, funny, practical, real, and like a huge big hug.  There is a Christian thread which runs throughout, but it is for everyone – of all faiths and none.  Mental and spiritual health is so important and this book is a companion which can make us stronger, happier, and more peaceful with ourselves and others.

Revd Rachel Scheffer
Priest in Charge of Stamfordham, Matfen, and Ryal, and Diocesan Development Officer for Children’s and Youth Work

We all experience dark days and children are not immune from this. Margaret McAllister doesn't shy away from these difficult topics, nor does she dwell on them too much. This book provides tangible, practical advice that will help children directly as well as parents, practitioners and friends. I commend this book to anyone who knows a young child.

Ruth Jackson
Editor of Premier Youth and Children's Work.