Prior to my daughter developing childhood OCD, I had zero plans to become an author.
Ask anyone who knows me, and they would confirm that I would be the last person you would ever expect to put herself out there and publish a book…let alone two.
I had very little self-confidence.
And didn’t consider myself clever enough to write a book.
But seems the universe had other ideas.
It’s funny how this is often the case, isn’t it?
Because in the early hours of one morning.
From literally nowhere.
The words for a children’s story pinged into my head.
I typed them up onto a Word document.
And that’s where my story stayed until one day, during lockdown, my husband announced that he thought it was time to publish my story.
When it came to publishing a book about childhood OCD, I had no idea where to start.
Luckily, though, I got to know a publisher through a Facebook group that I was a member of, who gave me some tips on how to get started.
And that’s how my OCD character (Hank) and my books came to life.
✅ I sourced an illustrator who seemed to instantly know what I wanted my characters to look like (despite never having met face-to-face…not even on Zoom).
✅ I found a proofreader.
✅ And secured a joint-publishing deal with my publisher friend.
And on 4 November 2020 my first book, Hank the Hungry Monster, was launched.
I had no idea how it would be received…
Or whether there would be any demand for my book.
But I was blown away by the response.
This is a good easy to read book with clear bright engaging pictures. I read it to my 8 year old who said it sounded a bit like her. I think she is still confused over it all – as we all are! So it was good to read something to her that she can see from a childs point of view. Good work Julie!
So much so that I published book number two, Trixie the Treat Monster, the following August.
Absolutely fantastic book, we have bought both of Julie’s books, my daughter loves reading them.
How do my books help younger children with OCD?
Here are a few ways they help.
1. Identify Potential Childhood OCD triggers.
In my first book, the OCD trigger is bullying.
In the second book, it’s missing a penalty shot.
Examples of Childhood OCD themes.
In Hank the Hungry Monster, the theme is contamination OCD.
In Trixie the Treat Monster, the theme is perfection OCD.
Confiding in others.
Children with OCD often feel embarrassed and keep it hidden from others for fear of being ridiculed or people thinking they are going mad.
That is why both of my books emphasise the importance (and power) of opening up to others.
In my first book, Annabelle, the central character, confides in her teacher.
And Leo, the lead character in my second book opens up to his best friend, Emily.
I donate 10% of what I make from my books to CAMHS (child and adolescent mental health services) as a way of giving something back after they helped us reclaim our life back from OCD.
Who are my books for?
I wrote my books to help :
💜 5 to 8-year-olds who suffer from intrusive thoughts and anxiety.
💚 Parents identify signs of OCD in children
💜 Children start managing OCD behaviours before they take control
So, with that said, if you are a parent or work in a school and are looking for resources to help children with OCD, here are a few ways you can purchase copies of my books.
My website
If you live in the UK, I will sign copies of books purchased from my website. You can also save money by purchasing my book bundle offer.
Alternatively, you can purchase copies of my books from Amazon, Waterstones, Barnes and Noble and most other leading online book retailers.
