5.0 out of 5 stars 

I bought this book to read to my 7 year old son, who is quite a sensitive boy, but also can get emotional and frustrated and didn't know how to deal with his emotions or talk about them.

Not only has the book been really helpful for him but also to me in dealing with my own emotions. It has helped my son access language to describe his emotions and the stories are very engaging with lots of detail and good use of language

The action plans areas at the end of each chapter were particularly useful, stimulating more discussion of how to apply what we had learnt into our daily lives.

It has also been really helpful to have this book over the period of the lockdown, when my son has had a particularly challenging time being away from his friends.

I would highly recommend this book for reading with children of any age over 5.

 - T. Patel 

           (24 May 2020)

I was given the book ‘Roxy Says’ to read by Andrew in conversation he shared how he felt the older generation could help the very young generation and visa versa, being a grandparent I agreed. Andrew felt it would be beneficial for a grandparent to read the book with their grandchild being in a more objective perspective, I thought I would give it a go !

I read the book with my grandson who is 8 years old. As a loving nanna I would explain him as being overly active and full of energy. His true nature is caring loving and thoughtful. As a counsellor I would say he holds anxieties and insecurities that keep him searching for reassurance which he gains through trying to control situations. This leads him to feel frustrated and act out in seeking any attention good or bad, to get that one to one recognition which can be seen as challenging behaviour.

I read a chapter each night as suggested. Having pre read the book I was familiar with the story and used my very best story telling voice and tone to create drama and calmness to enhance its telling. At times I would pause and ask what do you think ? or ‘Oh dear can you imagine’ ! The highlighted words were helpful to explore and over the days as we read he would seek them out first. I suggested he could draw a picture after we had read, in which he interpreted the story and feelings from what he had heard and his own perspectives. Being 8 years old at times he became fidgety, I would ask him if he wanted to continue, this way he had choice and control.

I felt the book has been very well thought through with adult support questions enabling the reader to have clarity in how to bring out the best from the context. I did have to break down the content at times into 8 year old bite size snippets by pausing and checking he understood other times he was ahead of me. He enjoyed the word dictionary at the back I felt he liked feeling grown up in ‘using’ the book. The exercise section and action plans support the context while the ethos of the sharing and confiding became very informative. I could see how confused he was in trying to make sense of adult situations and generally a world he has totally no control over. The reactions to life events with the age of emotional and verbal communication as an 8 year old made sense. I feel, the essence of the book really creates a homely picture of a family trying to reassure and be together in acceptance that can come when people share their vulnerabilities. When things are shared open (age appropriate) and spoken about tip toeing round ceases and stops everyone trying to pre-empt and make assumptions that aren’t real. Understanding is shared and the vulnerability of Jan and more importantly all the families feelings are enabled to be explored.

I enjoyed the book and the bonding time with my grandson as he invitingly opened up, leading me into his world. I felt he also listened and respected what I had to share my experiences of life and people.

What I took away with me most was how articulate and insightful my grandson could be when offered the opportunity to share his thoughts and feelings.

As a counsellor, play and creative arts therapist to adults, children and young people I have a desire to support through varying creative mediums. I feel Roxy say’s manages to create inspirational narrative when conjoined with the readers imagination and invaluable own expressed experiences. Its combined outlay, drawings and whole ensemble has been complied with thought compassion and a unity of insightful minds who I feel want to reach out and support others.

- J. M.  (14th Sept 2019)

‘Roxy says....’ by Andrew Samuels

The book reminded me of the wise words I once read:

I’m always amazed

How you stand so very tall,

How you never give in,

You bend, but never fall !

This book is a good attempt to raise children’s social awareness, self awareness and relationships management. Through Roxy’s stories followed by opportunities of adult led discussions, the children are helped to name and understand feelings and experiences they may be struggling with.

The book addresses many emotions, behavioural and learning challenges that children face. Roxy’s stories are designed to support children’s mental health and other common challenges like dealing with painful experiences or coping with strong emotions and anxiety. Stories, as we know of numerous family incidents or simple acts of kindness can help children feel connected. This book successfully provides that and more in terms of children’s emotional literacy development.

‘Roxy’s safe place was always her heart...’, says a great deal in one of the stories.

A lot depends on how well this book is used to help children’s emotional well being.

The book addresses many emotional issues, for example, how to be resilient, persevere and never give up.

A child once wrote:

Never give up

It’s not always lucky,

Resilience is key,

Even if it’s tricky.

I wish Andrew Samuels all the success.

Regards

R. A., Ex Ofsted Inspector.

26 January 2020

A book essentially about emotions, its narrative follows a dog, Roxy, and its adventures with family and friends.  With each chapter representing a specific emotion set in an engaging scenario that a child can relate, the book aims to educate children on various feelings and how they can be managed.  Throughout the chapters, specific words are highlighted and these are associated with various emotions felt by different characters.  The meaning of the words is found in a glossary at the back of the book.  

While reading the book to my daughter, we were able to discuss Roxy’s and the other character’s reaction to different situations and circumstances.  The questions from the guide initiated the start of many conversations regarding emotional wellbeing, which I wouldn’t have otherwise had with my 9-year-old daughter.

This book is a good opportunity to delve into the complexities of feelings and emotions in a way which isn’t intrusive to children."

                    - S. M.  (31st March '19)

A well written and structured set of stories about Roxy that portray:

1. Humility - a core principle of human behaviour that ensures we are patient and respectful enough to appreciate the positive  differences in all of us;

2. Attention - so that we can fully grasp the inter- communication among ourselves;

3. Resilience - so we are aware that there will always be challenges and that giving up is not a favourable option.

This book will engage children well as it uses a wide range of  descriptive terms to alert readers about the 'feelings' they are experiencing or showing to others around them.

Would recommend it to children, parents, teachers and anyone working with young people.

- Walter 

KS2 Tutor

(29th July 2020)

ADVENTURES OF ROXY THE DOG AND HER FRIENDS WRITTEN BY ANDREW SAMUELS is a book which is easily readable, likeable and with illustrations which help you understand.  It raises awareness of mental health study and could be part of a school program during 10 to 15 years of age. This book contains emotions which are broadly written in different chapters e.g. Cheerful, frustrated, depressed, hopeless, angry. Which helps you to understand that the person is going through different stages. It's about a female child dog called Roxy, her parents, friends and people like greengrocers, fish mongers, butchers, etc. 

It can be used for cognitive therapies e.g. Talking Therapies.  It talks about mental health and how to sort it out; it's stigma and how to reduce it. It is well written, once you start reading you continue to read as if a ball is rolling.  You feel like Roxy is a baby girl who deals with emotional problems and tries to sort them out with her experiences. First she sorts out the problem about an old lady who was stunned and shocked behind a car wheel after an accident. When the driver in a lorry realised that it is an old lady he was compassionate, calm and embarrassed. Roxy realised some can be crazy and angry, and irritable, however, the exact same person can be kind and caring. 

When Ray the dad was on the phone and Jan the mum tries to talk to him, Ray raises his hand and brushed her away - she felt offended, stunned and rejected. Later they talked about the incident and resolved it. 

It is well written and easily understandable.  At the end of each chapter it asks some questions - some of the answers are in the brackets which helps one understand it better. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this and recommend it to others. 

Dr Anjala Gupte

Retired Psychiatrist

Northwick Park Hospital 

The Adventures of Roxy the Dog

By Andrew Samuels

This is a Mental Health Book for 7-11year olds.

The story is an engaging journey with Roxy.  The book is broken down into chapters which following from each other in an orderly and progressive manner.  Some difficult areas are covered in a sensitive way with plenty of space for discussion.

There are excellent activities suggested that help the understanding of some of the more complex topics.

This book will appeal to many of the appropriate age, but will also assist those adults reading the book with children.

Reviewer: Dr Peter Ellis