From the author

  Through my own life journey, I discovered many things that could have protected me as a child*. As an adult working with children in the performing arts industry, and with my own passion for the performing arts, I have better understood how our brains develop and that creativity is a big part of safely nurturing this, and in this instance poems - rhyme and the simplicity of this, engages young brains.

*I've also spent time discussing, with professionals, how our brains develop - all of this has led me to Project 90-10 Charity and The Buddy Books. 

My focus with my work today is on giving children some understanding of the control they can have on their bodies to prevent grooming and abuse; and all done in a non-scary way. 

For a long time I would refuse to acknowledge what had happened to me in my younger years, maybe even hoping that by doing so I was making it all go away.  I wasn't.  After many years of therapy, one day I found myself writing....a year later my book 'Don't Hold Back' was published (available on Amazon, shameless plug!). As time moved on I found I was using poetry as a comfort as I explored my new world in advocacy. It didn't take long to realise how therapeutic poetry was and how this heartfelt rhyme of words gave me a new strength and purpose to my own messages and beliefs. It is why I have used poetry to write the Buddy Books. By telling a story through rhythm young people can express themselves without pressure. It is a great way of connecting the body, mind and soul.  Simple and powerful. 

It is really important for me to work with people, to be part of a team and to maximise the messages I am intending to share across all areas of my life - whether that be professionally, charity or campaigning. I learnt a long time ago that there are people far more talented than me out there and because of that I now have long lists of people to thank; Naz, Alan, Chris, Daphne, Jamela, Christine, Imogen, Sarah, Julie, Jamie, Femke, Elisha, Lynne, Jo, Sharon, Caroline, Kelly, Karen...everyone involved with the NotMyShame Campaign, Project 90-10, everyone at StageWorks, NutritiousWorks and all my supporters. You have all been an active part of who I am today, and for that I will always be grateful.

Thank you, Emma-Jane x