Book Love Letters:

Charmaine Holmes
Social Worker/Family Therapist
Peninsula Life Therapies
Mornington

" I have been pleased to have tracked Bayley's victories over the years in standing up to  Worrythoughts and being adventurous and encouraged enough to find Happythoughts  in all sorts of interesting places. Well done to Nicky in finding such  a beautiful way to present these ideas, which started as a way to help Bayley.

I love the way Nicky's books make the concepts of Narrative Therapy and 'externalising the problem' into a useable format for children and their parent(s). I will often lend my books to children and parent(s)to take home from a counselling session to read at home to consolidate their learning and hear that another child has gone before them in experiencing these difficulties and overcoming them .

 I have lent the books to an adult or two also.....! When books are written simply enough  to delight children  they can be appealing and helpful to adults too.

 Narrative Therapy  and the concepts of externalising the problem are recognised internationally as effective in helping with all sorts of issues we confront, and they were pioneered by Michael White, an Australian Social Worker and Family Therapist.

It is fitting that these  books are written by a talented Australian mother, teacher and illustrator.  Well done Nicky, and I trust the fun, happy , adventurous and hopeful way you encourage us to view Worrythoughts continue to bless many more children and those who are hoping they can find Happythoughts in their lives.

Sandy Hutchinson:
"My daughter loves her books (especially with personal signing) Easy to read and the message really gets through. Well done Nicky! I highly recommend these books for any child showing signs of anxiety."

 Laura Coleman:
"Having spent the first five years of my son's life battling the worry demons, it has been amazing to discover the superpowers of Bayden. This book is great because it provides a really visual way to talk about worry feelings and even better, it gives some practical ideas of how to get rid of them. My son loves it already and as his mum, I feel I finally have a way to help him."

Speaking Presentation Love Letters:

Karen McFarland
Early Years Community Facilitator
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council

"Thank you Nicky, Bayley and Cooper for the contribution you made to the Mornington Peninsula Shire's 'Making a Difference' celebration. Thank you also Nicky for all the work you have done for the Shire's Early Years team this year. Go Away Mr Worrythoughts has helped many of our children and your personal touch and willingness to share your story and talk with people gives hope and encouragement to many families facing the reality of early on-set anxiety.You are an inspiration."

Serpil Yalcin
Library Technician
ISIK COLLEGE Keysborough Campus

 "This week ISIK College Keysborough were very lucky to have the opportunity to meet Nicky Johnston who is an author and illustrator of children's books.

 Nicky spoke to the students about the effort needed to put into her work before she was able to publish her books. She spoke about the importance of being able to accept mistakes but making sure we learn from them. All and Staff the students were very inspired and had lots of questions to ask.

Many Thanks to Nick Johnston for coming"

James
ADAVIC Volunteer
Anxiety Disorders Association of Victoria

"For someone who fortuitously came across children's writing especially writing that deals with the psychological stresses of childhood anxiety, Nicky Johnston seems destined for great things. Nicky's presentation goes to show that the best remedies for problems of Anxiety are not instantaneous solutions, but ongoing support and compassion for a loved one; support and compassion that is seemingly limitless.
It is these unique qualities that parents of children with anxiety contribute and go on contributing sacrificially until they find a remedy that works for them and their child. To become a children's writer, a class of writing that I find to be the hardest in my writing experience, and to publish and distribute the book on her own illustrates a devotion to her children that came across so emphatically in Nicky's speech. My hat goes off to her and her husband Andrew. Inspirational!"