Gorgeous new book penned in Donegal will help children cope with anxiety

A beautiful new book written and illustrated by two Donegal women is helping children to deal with life’s traumas by better understanding their nervous system. 

Charlie Vagus and the Bubbles will be launched on Thursday, June 22 at the Primary Care Health Centre in Donegal Town.

The book’s illustrator is retired GP, Dr Marie Drumgoole.

She said: “This book has been written for children, their parents,teachers, counsellors and therapists. 

“Its aim is to help children to understand and befriend their own nervous system, so as to better manage the normal stresses of life.It is based on Attachment  and polyvagal Theory. 

“Dr Helen Gogarty the author of this book is an attachment Specialist and Jungian sandplay therapist. She has worked in the field of foster care as a senior social worker and therapist since the 1980s and has already been using this book with children to great effect .

“As a retired GP I too have observed first hand  the impact of stress on both the nervous system and the immune system.

“My illustrations are designed to get down to a child's level and open up lines of communication through the characters in the book.... Milo the Meerkat, Coolio the Cat, Terry the Turtle and Charlie Vagus, the Thinking part of the Brain, who tries to help.

“We sincerely hope that this publication will prove useful.”

Ombudsman for Children Dr Niall Muldoon has read the book.

He said: “It would be very helpful for all parents, teachers and therapists who want to help a child to understand themselves better, particularly at this time of high anxiety.

“I commend the authors for the good work.”

The book is available for purchase at www.buythebook.ie/product/charlie-vagus-the-bubbles/ 

There is also a Facebook page Charlie Vagus and the Bubbles which includes a number of reviews as well as updates on the launch and where the book will be available.