Grace Fraraccio – illustratör

This Is Not A Sad Book is truly not a sad book!It's actually a practical, compassionate guide full of strategies and ideas to support yourself or someone else through grief, loss and hard times. In some parts you might even find yourself smiling. Most importantly of all - the stories, tips and advice in these pages are a reminder that even in our darkest hours, there is a way through. A Children's Book Council of Australia Honour Book 'When the world seems dark, sometimes a book is the most gentle and compassionate of companions. This is a beautiful roadmap through difficult terrain.' - Megan Daley, author & award-winning educator

A gentle, empowering picture book that reframes children’s understanding of their bodies as living maps of experience, memory, and selfhood.The Map of Me invites young readers to see their bodies differently. Rather than something to be judged or compared, the body becomes a map—marked by freckles, scars, birthmarks, and changes that tell the story of who we are and how we grow.Written with warmth and sensitivity, the story encourages children to notice, name, and value the marks that make them unique. Each mark carries meaning: a reminder of adventure, resilience, family, or love. Through this lens, difference becomes something to celebrate rather than hide.Ideal for shared reading at home or in the classroom, The Map of Me supports conversations around body awareness, self-acceptance, and emotional literacy in a way that feels accessible and affirming rather than didactic. Grace Fraraccio’s expressive illustrations add depth and warmth, offering visual cues that invite empathy and reflection.The book speaks directly to children navigating early questions of identity, while also providing caregivers and educators with a valuable tool to counter negative body messaging and build confidence from a young age.