Big Ideas from Literature

The School of Life publishes a range of books, games and learning tools for children introducing curious young minds to brilliant ideas from psychology, philosophy, literature, science, art, architecture and beyond, that can help them grow into happy, healthy and emotionally mature adults. Our team of psychologists, writers and designers work together to produce engaging, beautifully illustrated, age-appropriate teaching that can be put to work in everyday life. We never dumbdown or over-simplify; rather, trusting in the intelligence and curiosity of our young readers, we aim to make our wisdom as engaging and relatable as possible. We seek to provide what the traditional curriculum often lacks: an emotional education.Anna Doherty is an author illustrator living in Cambridge, whose work grabbed the attention of publishers at her Children’s Book Illustration MA graduation show. Her final year project on Ada Lovelace was picked up by Wren and Rook and was transformed into the successful Fantastically Feminist series. Since then, Anna has enjoyed working across a range of projects featuring illustrations that are full of warmth, humour and adorable characters. Awards include Winner of the 2023 Derby Children’s Picture Book Award (2023), Books for Topics’ Book of the Year in the EYFS (Ages 3-5), Best Children’s Favourite (2021), English 4-11 Picture Book Awards (2020), Non-fiction 4-7, What are Kids Reading Awards(2020), Quiz Writers’ Choice Award Shortlist.

‘A beautiful book before you even open it… I was totally engaged while reading this book and found it both original and fascinating. I can see it sitting on a display table in a school library, when, for the curious, it will spark the imagination and lead people to the joys, comfort, and genuine pleasure of reading.’ - Rosie Watch, LoveReading4Kids