Jack Kurland – författare

March/April 2024 Kids’ Indie Next Picture Book Pick There is a cat. A cat that couldn’t be bothered to do anything … anything at all. His friends ask him if he wants to play but he doesn’t feel like it. They invite him on adventures to far-off places, but he would rather stay at home. Until one day, a friend asks how he is doing, and the true reason why he’d rather do nothing is revealed. He is feeling sad. This is a story about feelings, friendship and the importance of speaking to someone when you don’t feel right. This beautiful socially aware story:Reassures kids that feeling sad sometimes is normalHelps them understand others’ behaviour and promotes empathyEncourages them to be more in touch with their feelingsProvides a sense of fun while also broaching a tricky topicBoth children and adults will love the quirky and hilarious cat’s refusal to take part in anything and the sweet and important message behind this story.It’s never been more important to introduce kids to the importance of mental health. This bright children’s book is an easy way to talk about feelings and looking out for others. It provides an excellent jumping-off point for at-home and classroom discussions about emotional wellbeing and caring for others.

'A charming, clever and reassuring tale about loving (and being loved for) your perfectly-imperfect self.'– Chelsea BromleyA heartwarming story that helps children embrace imperfection, manage worries about getting things wrong and learn that mistakes are part of life.  There once was a dog called Doris who was practically perfect in every way. She woke up on time every morning, never forgot to fetch her owner’s slippers and could perform all her tricks flawlessly. Doris loved being perfect.  Until one day, something not-so-perfect happens and Doris panics. Will my owner be sad? Or angry? Or think I'm a bad dog? For the first time, Doris feels unsure of herself.   With a little help from some kind new friends, Doris begins to see things differently. She discovers that it’s okay to get things wrong sometimes, and that being imperfect doesn’t make her owner love her any less. From the creator of The Cat Who Couldn't Be Bothered – shortlisted for the Indie Book of the Year 2024 and longlisted for the Klaus Flugge Award 2025 – this is a charming and emotionally sensitive picture book that explores perfectionism with warmth, humour and heart.