Enjoying Sport and Exercise. By Sheila Hollins and Caroline Argent. 2008. Illustrated by Catherine Brighton.  Many of us say “no” or “I can’t do it” when invited to take up a sport, but we may not be aware of how wide a choice is available to us. This book illustrates how three people with learning disabilities choose a sport/exercise to suit their own needs, discovering along the way that the experience is fun, as well as being healthy and a way of making new friends. ISBN: 978-1-904671-55-8, paperback, 100 pages, Due out July 2008, $22.00

Supporting victims. By Sheila Hollins, Kathryn Stone and Valerie Sinason.  Illustrated by Catherine Brighton. June 2007. Polly is the victim of an assault. The man she accused is arrested, and she is asked to be a witness at his trial. Polly has learning disabilities. Supporting Victims shows how the police help her to choose the special measures she needs to give her best evidence in court. All the special measures which are now available to vulnerable people are explained in this book. For Polly, as with many people, the most important thing is that she has a voice and is believed and listened to. Having a policeman, an intermediary, Victim Support and a judge all listen to you shows how powerful your voice can be. ISBN13: 978 1 904671 52 7. 96 pp. $22.00

Looking after my heart. Sheila Hollins , Francesco Cappuccio and Paul Adeline. 9/2005. Illustrated by Lisa Kopper. Jane’s father dies of a heart attack. Despite this, Jane likes to smoke, drink alcohol and eat party food. Later on she has chest pains but refuses to visit her GP. Only after she has a heart attack in the street and is taken to hospital, does she begin to look after herself better. She is given medication and advice on preventing further heart disease through eating a healthy diet and taking exercise and, in time, makes a full recovery. 104 pp. paperback. ISBN 1904671241. $22.00

When Mum Died. By Sheila Hollins and Lester Sireling. Illustrated by Beth Webb. 2005. When Mum Died and When Dad Died take a gentle, honest and straightforward approach to death and grief in the family. The pictures tell the story of the death of a parent in a simple but moving way. The approach is non-denominational. When Dad Died illustrates a burial, while When Mum Died shows a cremation. The greatly expanded text in these third editions includes information on how people are likely to react when someone is very ill and to their death. It explores difficult emotions, possible physical feelings and behaviour changes. Guidance is given on how to relate to a bereaved person and how to answer the questions ‘How do we feel when someone dies?’, ‘What happens after someone dies?’ and ‘How long does it take to get back to normal?’. There is advice for support staff and carers of those with learning disabilities (including how to formulate guidelines and a sample bereavement questionnaire), plus information on useful written resources and bereavement organisations that can offer further help. These books will be helpful to adolescents and adults with learning disabilities as well as for their carers and supporters. In addition, children without learning disabilities will appreciate these books as they adopt a more direct approach to death than is usual. 84 pp. ISBN 1 904671 03 9. $22.00

Looking after my balls. Sheila Hollins & Justin Wilson. 2004. The pictures in the book show men with learning disabilities how to check their testicles and to look for anything that may be wrong. It encourages them to seek help from their GP if they are worried. It covers details of physical examination and early investigation methods such as an ultrasound. (This book will not cover the actual treatment of testicular cancer.) 88 pp. paperback. ISBN 1 904671 05 5. $22.00

Bob Tells All.
Sheila Hollins & Valerie Sinason. Illustrated by Beth Webb. 1993.
This has a companion book, Jenny Speaks Out. Both are designed to enable a person with learning disabilities to open up about their experience of sexual abuse. Bob has moved to a group home, but his erratic behavior and terrifying nightmares unsettle the other people living there. Sensitively, a social worker helps Bob unravel his painful past as a victim of sexual abuse. Bob discovers that talking with people he can trust begins a slow, but positive healing process. Jenny’s story is similar to Bob’s. She was abused by her father, but the warmth and understanding of her friends and carer, help her to discover that certain secrets are better shared. The authors are both mental health professionals: a psychiatrist and psychotherapist. The artist is a psychology graduate who has specialized in color and mime as alternative communication media. Paperback, 62 pp.
ISBN 1 874439 03 6  $22.00

Falling In Love.
Sheila Hollins, Wendy Perez & Adam Abdelnoor. Illustrated by Beth Webb. 1999.
This is a book about two people who are introduced by friends. Mike and Janet get on well and enjoy doing things together. They decide they want to live together, but initially their families try to discourage them. This love story traces the ups and downs of their relationship, until they are finally able to make a commitment to each other. Readers can identify with Mike and Janet, and use the book as a starting point to explore their own relationships, and the role of families, friends and carers in supporting them. Paperback, 88 pp.
ISBN 1 901242 32 3  $22.00 

Feeling Blue. 
Sheila Hollins & Jenny Curran. Illustrated by Beth Webb. 1995.
Ron has lost interest in things he usually enjoys. The book shows what happens to Ron when he is depressed, and how he is helped to feel better. The story is told in pictures alone to allow for individual interpretation. ‘Readers’ may choose to draw their own pictures on the blank pages provided. If you are reading the book with a friend who has a learning disability, try encouraging them to tell the story in their own way. A suggested text is provided at the end for people who prefer a ready-made story. Paperback, 34 pp.
ISBN 1 874439 09 5  $22.00

Food – Fun, Healthy & Safe.
Sheila Hollins & Margaret Flynn. Illustrated by Catherine Brighton. 2003.
This book shows how choosing, cooking and eating food can be fun as well as healthy and safe. It tells the story of Matt and Lynne who want to learn how to prepare food for their friends. They are helped with shopping and preparing for a party. Later in the book they cook a meal for a friend who is sad. Guidelines include do’s and don’ts to prevent choking, a section about special diets, and information on resources. Paperback.
ISBN 1 901242 95 1  $22.00

George Gets Smart.
Sheila Hollins, Margaret Flynn & Philippa Russell. Illustrated by Catherine Brighton. 2001.
George works hard in a smelly job. He likes being with people and does not understand why they seem to avoid him. George’s life changes when he learns to keep clean and smart. Not only is he happy with the way he looks and feels but his friends and work-mates want to be with him. George enjoys their company and no longer feels lonely. Paperback, 50 pp.
ISBN 1 901242 52 8  $22.00

Getting On With Cancer.
Veronica Donaghy, Jane Bernal, Irene Tuffrey-Wijne & Sheila Hollins. Illustrated by Beth Webb. 2002.
When Veronica’s doctor told her she had cancer, she was confused and terrified. Then he told her some cancers can be cured. The book shows Veronica (who has Down’s Syndrome) having radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery and deals honestly with the unpleasant side of treatment. It is meant as a counseling tool for use by anyone working with people who have cancer. The book ends on a positive note. Spiral bound, 74 pp.
ISBN 1 901242 84 6  $22.00

Getting On With Epilepsy.
Sheila Hollins, Jane Bernal & Alice Thacker. Illustrated by Lisa Kopper. 1999.
This book illustrates experiences that can be worrying for people with epilepsy such as having a seizure in public, going to the doctor, having a brain scan, an EEG, a blood test, and taking daily medication. The book also stimulates discussion about the balance between personal autonomy and the need for safety. Many specific safety issues, such as cycling, cooking, safe drinking and swimming are addressed, demonstrating that it is possible to enjoy an active and independent life with epilepsy. The authors prepared this book with the help of an advisory panel of people with learning disabilities. Paperback, 96 pp.
ISBN 1 901242 39 0  $22.00

Going Into Hospital.
Sheila Hollins, Angie Avis & Samantha Cheverton. Illustrated by Denise Redmond. 1998.
This book is a companion text to Going to Out-Patients. Both books are aimed at people with learning disabilities, their carers and medical professionals in hospital settings. We all worry about going into hospital. For people with learning disabilities there is the added fear of not being able to explain what is wrong, as well as not understanding what is happening. These books are designed to support patients with learning disabilities by explaining, through a series of pictures, what happens to them there. Feelings, information and consent are all addressed. Ideally, this book should be used to prepare someone before he or she goes into hospital. It will also be invaluable to hospital staff to use during consultations and before treatments. Paperback, 80 pp.
ISBN 1 901242 19 6  $22.00

Going To Out-Patients.
Sheila Hollins, Jane Bernal & Matthew Gregory. Illustrated by Denise Redmond. 1998. 
This book is a companion text to Going Into Hospital. Both books are aimed at people with learning disabilities, their carers and medical professionals in hospital settings. Going to Out-Patients follows a man and a woman through various out-patient situations and treatment scenarios. Situations covered include trying to find the right place, waiting, and seeing the doctor. Common procedures are also illustrated including an ultrasound, a hearing test an X-ray, and a plaster cast being put on and eventually removed. Paperback, 72 pp.
ISBN 1 901242 18 8  $22.00

Going To Court.
Sheila Hollins, Valerie Sinason & Julie Boniface. Illustrated by Beth Webb. 1994. 
This book is about being a witness in a Crown Court. The ‘story’ is told in pictures without any words. If you are helping someone to read this book encourage them to talk about each picture in their own way. Readers may choose to draw or write on the blank pages. Be careful not to coach a witness. What a witness says in court must be his or her own words. Paperback, 70 pp.
ISBN 1 874439 08 7 $22.00

Going To The Doctor.
Sheila Hollins, Jane Bernal & Matthew Gregory. Illustrated by Beth Webb. 1996.
Going to the doctor can be worrying. For people with a learning disability, there is the added fear of not being able to explain what’s wrong, as well as not understanding what’s happening. This book shows Jim and Ann going to the doctor, and explains what happens to them there. Feelings, information and consent are all addressed. Ideally this book should be used to prepare someone before going to their doctor, but it will also be invaluable to General Practitioners and Primary Health care workers during consultations and before treatments. The authors are senior health professionals, with experience in learning disability, in mental health and in primary care. Spiral bound, 73 pp.
ISBN 1 874439 13 3  $22.00

Hug Me Touch Me.
Sheila Hollins & Terry Roth. Illustrated by Beth Webb. 1994.
This book shows when a female can and can’t hug and touch other people when making new friends. (Making Friends tells the same story from a male’s perspective). Janet wants someone to hug her but always picks the wrong person. This book tells how she learns when she can and can’t hug and touch people. The story is told in pictures alone to allow for individual interpretation. ‘Readers’ may choose to draw their own pictures on the blank pages provided. If you are reading the book with a friend who has a learning disability, try encouraging them to tell the story in their own way. A suggested text is provided at the end for people who prefer a ready-made story. Paperback, 70 pp.
ISBN 1 874439 05 2  now out of print

I Can Get Through It.
Sheila Hollins, Christiana Horrocks & Valerie Sinason. Illustrated by Lisa Kopper. 1998.
This book follows on from the two other titles about abuse in this series: Bob Tells All and Jenny Speaks Out. I Can Get Through It is the story of a woman whose life is suddenly disturbed by an act of abuse. She cannot stop thinking about the man. No one can understand what has happened, until she meets with a counselor. Through this weekly talking treatment she becomes able to show what happened in her bedroom. Through the support of her home, friends and therapy she becomes able to speak, and slowly the painful memory of the man fades. In the end she is able to sleep again and wake up to enjoy a new day with her energy restored. This book provides an invaluable resource for families who are looking for treatment for their son or daughter who has been abused. Paperback, 80 pp.
ISBN 1 901242 20 X  $22.00

Jenny Speaks Out.  new edition, September 2004
Sheila Hollins & Valerie Sinason. Illustrated by Beth Webb.
This has a companion book, Bob Tells All. Both are designed to enable a person with learning disabilities to open up about their experience of sexual abuse. Jenny has moved into a new home in the community, but she is very unhappy and unsettled. Things come to a head when her carer finds a photo of Dad. Sensitively, the carer helps Jenny to feel secure enough to talk about why she is upset. Jenny discloses how she was sexually abused by her father. The story shows how the warmth and trust of her carer and friends begin a healing process which will bring hope and a fresh start for Jenny. Bob’s story is very similar to Jenny’s. He was also abused, and again, his carer helps him discover that certain secrets are better shared. Paperback, 64 pp.
1 904671 14 4  $22.00

Keeping Healthy ‘Down Below.’
Sheila Hollins & Jackie Downer. Illustrated by Beth Webb. 2000.
The book is designed to support women who are invited for a smear test. It explains what happens to Carol, from receiving the invitation, making a preliminary visit to the GP practice, deciding whether she will have the smear or not, having the smear, and receiving the results. We then see her being recalled for further tests. Feelings, consent and health education are all addressed. Ideally this book should be used to prepare women with learning disabilities before they have a smear test. Spiral bound, 88 pp.
ISBN 1 901242 54 4  $22.00

Looking After My Breasts.
Sheila Hollins & Wendy Perez. Illustrated by Beth Webb. 2000.
This book is designed to support women who are invited for breast screening. The first story explains what happens to Beth, from receiving the invitation letter for breast screening to having a mammogram and getting a normal result. The second story shows what Beth experiences when she is recalled for further tests. Finally another woman demonstrates how to be aware of changes in one’s own breasts. Ideally this book should be used to prepare women with learning disabilities before they go for a mammogram, for further breast screening tests or to increase their breast awareness. Spiral bound, 80 pp.
ISBN 1 901242 53 6  $22.00

Making Friends.
Sheila Hollins & Terry Roth. Illustrated by Beth Webb. 1995. 
Neil wants to get to know someone new. This book shows how he learns when he can and can’t touch other people. The story is told in pictures alone to allow for individual interpretation. ‘Readers’ may choose to draw their own pictures on the blank pages provided. If you are reading the book with a friend who has a learning disability, try encouraging them to tell the story in their own way. A suggested text is provided at the end for people who prefer a ready-made story. Paperback, 68 pp.
ISBN 1 874439 10 9  $22.00

Michelle Finds A Voice.
Sheila Hollins & Sarah Barnett. Illustrated by Denise Redmond. 1997.
This is the story of a young woman with cerebral palsy who is unable to speak, and so cannot communicate what she is thinking and feeling to the very people who might help her. She feels isolated and unhappy. Similarly, her supporters and carers are frustrated in their attempts to understand or recognize her needs. Michelle Finds a Voice illustrates what happens to Michelle and how she and her carers are helped to overcome these difficulties. Various solutions are explored, including the use of signing, symbol charts and electronic communication. Paperback, 88 pp.
ISBN 1 901242 06 4  $22.00

Mugged.
Sheila Hollins, Christiana Horrocks & Valerie Sinason. Illustrated by Lisa Kopper. 2002.
None of us should be scared when going out and about in the community, but we should be aware that bad things can sometimes happen. In this story a young man called Charlie is attacked in the street. It shoes how Charlie is helped by speedy police action, victim support and back-up from friends, family members and supporters. Various role-playing responses to unwelcome approaches from strangers are included. Paperback, 96 pp.
ISBN 1 901242 82 X  $22.00

A New Home in the Community.
Sheila Hollins & Deborah Hutchinson. Illustrated by Beth Webb. 1993.
For someone with a learning disability, leaving a long stay hostel or hospital to go to a group home can be rather a frightening experience. This book and its companion, Peter’s New Home, are designed to help people with learning disabilities make a happy transition to a new home. Not only will the house be much smaller, but many jobs previously done by staff have to be shared out. In this book Simon goes through all the traumas and thrills of getting ready to move. He likes his new home, but not everything is rosy. He makes mistakes and has quarrels, but he discovers that people care and understand, and want to help him feel at home. Paperback, 72 pp.
ISBN 1 874439 02 8  $22.00 

Peter’s New Home.
Sheila Hollins & Deborah Hutchinson. Illustrated by Beth Webb. 1993.
For someone with a learning disability, leaving one’s family for a group home can be rather a frightening experience. This book, and its companion, A New Home in the Community, are designed to help people with learning disabilities make a happy transition to a new home. Peter finds that living with his new friends is fun, but many jobs previously done by Mum, now have to be shared among them. In this book Peter goes through all the traumas and thrills of getting ready to move. He likes his new home, but not everything is rosy. He makes mistakes and has quarrels, but he discovers that people care and understand, and want to help him feel at home. Paperback, 72 pp.
ISBN 1 874439 01 X  $22.00 

Speaking Up For Myself.
Sheila Hollins, Jackie Downer, Linette Farquarson & Oyepeju Raji. Illustrated by Lisa Kopper. 2002.
Having a learning disability and also being from an ethnic minority group feels like a ‘double whammy’ because it can make it even harder to get good services. In the first part of this book, three friends get what they want in a cafe by being assertive and not giving up easily. The second part features a young woman who is having problems dealing with her bank. It shows that if people are not satisfied with the way they are treated, or with the service they are given, they need not deal with it on their own. Someone they trust can be brought in to help them. Paperback, 88 pp.
ISBN 1 901242 79 X  $22.00

Susan’s Growing Up.
Sheila Hollins & Valerie Sinason. Illustrated by Catherine Brighton. 2001.
Susan does not understand what is happening to her when she finds blood on her sheets and clothes. She does not tell her mother, but goes straight to school. Other girls are pointing at the bloodstains. A teacher explains to her that she has become a woman and her periods have started. Susan’s mother takes her shopping to celebrate. Paperback, 88 pp.
ISBN 1 901242 51 X  $22.00

When Dad Died. 
Sheila Hollins & Lester Sireling. Illustrated by Beth Webb. 1989.
When Dad Died and When Mum Died are two full color cartoon books with a gentle but honest and straightforward approach to death in the family. The authors are both consultant psychiatrists with an interest in grief and bereavement in people of all ages, and especially people with learning disabilities. The story is told in pictures alone to allow for individual interpretation. The pictures tell the story of the death of a parent in a simple but moving way. The approach is non-denominational, and one book illustrates a cremation, the other a burial. Adolescents and adults with learning disability will find the pictures are meaningful with or without the text. The book will help to inform readers about the simple facts of death and about feelings of grief. For bereaved readers the story may parallel their own experience. Parents, friends or professionals will be able to help them share their own story of loss, and guide them to new hope in their own futures - just as the story ends on an optimistic note. The story begins and ends in the family photograph album, and readers are encouraged to turn to their own albums later. Teachers and families have difficulty finding children’s books which look at the taboo subject of the death of a parent. Children without learning disabilities will also appreciate these books which adopt a more direct approach to death than is usual. When Dad Died and When Mum Died will help prepare for and answer questions posed by children for whom the death of someone close is imminent or has occurred. Paperback, 60 pp.
ISBN 1 874439 06 0  $22.00 

When Somebody Dies.
Sheila Hollins, Noelle Blackman & Sandra Dowling. Illustrated by Catherine Brighton. 2003.
Everyone feels sad when someone dies. People with learning disabilities have the same feelings of grief as anyone else, but they are seldom offered the help and support that other people are given. Mary and John are both upset when someone they love dies. By attending regular counselling sessions and from the comfort and companionship shown by friends, they learn to feel less sad and to cope with life better and better as time passes. This book shows people with learning disabilities that they need not be alone when dealing with grief. Paperback, 88 pp.
ISBN 1 901242 90 0  $22.00

You’re On Trial.
Sheila Hollins, Glynis Murphy & Isabel Clare. Illustrated by Beth Webb. 1996. 
This book is about what happens when someone is accused of a crime. It will help you if you have been accused of a crime and have to go to court for a trial. In our story we see what happens to Dave when he has to go on trial in a Magistrates’ Court, and we also see what a Magistrates’ Court looks like. The ‘story’ is told in pictures without any words although there is a text at the back of the book which may be useful too. You can make any story you like from the book as the pictures will fit any crime and any verdict. If the police think you may have done a crime, they will arrest you and take you to the police station. You can read about what happens at the police station in the book You’re under Arrest. Then you can read this one later. Paperback, 72 pp.
ISBN 1 901242 00 5  $22.00

You’re Under Arrest.
Sheila Hollins, Isabel Clare & Glynis Murphy. Illustrated by Beth Webb. 1996. 
This is a story about what happens when a person is arrested. Some people call this being ‘nicked’. The police arrest people who they think have done a crime. People who are under arrest often feel worried about what will happen. They do not know what to do. What happens to Dave in this story may not be exactly what happens to you, but it will help if you, or someone you know, are under arrest. The ‘story’ is told in pictures without any words although there is a text at the back of the book which may be useful too. You can make any story you like from the book as it will fit any crime. If the police think that you have done a crime you may have to go to court. You can read about what happens at the Magistrates’ Court in the book You’re on Trial. Paperback, 72 pp.
ISBN 1 901242 01 3  $22.00

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