Our thoughts manifest themselves in so many ways, often negatively. This book explores how we think and feel through the new friendship of Podaby and Pockets.

For parents, guardians, carers or teachers: A note from the author

To me a 'weedy thought' is when you hear unhelpful and unkind thoughts in your head, that stop you from being your true self. I created this story about 'weedy thoughts' to help open conversations about thoughts that block us from knowing and being our unique selves. 'Consciousness is always a question. Rather than come to a conclusion, be in the question about everything.' - Dain Heer.

All my life, I have suffered with low self-worth and anxiety. It wasn't until I reached my late 40s that I realised I had so many troubling thoughts that made me feel like running, fighting or hiding from the world. In my role as mindfulness specialist, I am often surprised by the number of children and adults who share these troubling thoughts. We don't always realise the wonderful contribution our uniqueness is to those around us and this book aims to help us see ourselves through a clearer perspective.

I believe, the more you accept yourself the way you are, the more you can contribute to your own life and to those around you. This way you are free to make mistakes and create conscious choices as you learn and grow. We are all on our own journey, so rather than trying to be perfect, why not be free to explore different ways of being you and appreciate each other's uniqueness.

This book has been written so that I can pay forward the compassion, strength and self-worth I continue to discover as I face life's ups and downs. Psychologist Dr Daniel Siegel, author of The Whole-Brain Child, says that when we are experiencing strong emotions, we need to 'name it to tame it.' I am confident that naming strong emotions combined with exploring weedy thoughts and turning them into questions, will open up new paths that truly honour your uniqueness.

Some questions you may wish to explore with children:

Before or after reading together, it's a good idea to discuss the meaning of any words that may be unfamiliar to the child.

What are 'weedy thoughts'? What weedy thoughts did Pockets have? How did Podaby help Pockets get past her weedy thoughts? Curiosity is the key to discovering a different point of view.

Have you noticed any weedy thoughts lately? Would you like to name them, draw a picture of what they might look like? Would you like to talk to someone you trust and have a play with creating questions to help set them free.

What is special about Pockets? What makes her character strong in this story? Would you like a friend like Pockets? What would make Pockets a good friend to have?

What is special about Podaby? What makes his character strong in this story? Would you like a friend like Podaby? What would make Podaby a good friend to have?

Other questions Pockets could have asked is, what does beautiful mean to you? What does clever mean to you? What does friendly mean to you? Questions like these can help us realise that everyone is beautiful, clever and friendly in their own way. I believe, the more you are you, the more you are a gift to yourself and those around you. Thank you for being uniquely you.