About Us
Head 2 Heart Books
Head 2 Heart Books Ltd is a small independent publishing company that creates and produces thoughtful children's stories for head and heart matters. Our beautifully illustrated picture books are well-researched and sensitively written using relatable, honest words about emotions, and associated physiological reactions, to help young children understand themselves better, explore thoughts and feelings, and get meaningful conversations started. The books are aimed at 3-8 year olds, use dyslexic friendly fonts and are printed using sustainable materials.
Over the years our books have grown and evolved in the education sector too, where Headteachers, teachers, Special Educational Needs teachers, teaching assistants and support workers have all responded extremely positively to the gentle life lessons and vibrant illustrations. Nurseries and primary schools are using our stories as a resource for Personal Social Health Education (PSHE), which prompt good follow-on discussions covering many curriculum topics. Our stories and their messages offer good opportunities for teaching and discussion, as well as time for reflection and learning in different aspects of emotional intelligence, values andvirtues (character development/ education), mental health, well-being and care for the environment. These are currently areas of great interest and initiative raised by the government and both state and independent schools.
The Little Paws Hotel series are stories told through the eyes of different breeds of dogs focusing on emotional well-being and mental health; topics include separation anxiety, fear of new experiences, perfectionism, being bullied, repeated unkindness, bereavement/ grief. Bullies Out, a UK based Anti-Bullying charity, recommend Dudley and Peggy as stories to help foster open and honest conversations about bullying behaviour - https://bulliesout.com/need-support/parents/bullying/talking-to-your-child/
Bracken Wood collection are stories told through the eyes of threatened and endangered British wildlife instilling values and virtues such as perseverance, respect, acceptance, kindness and gratitude. Facts about each creature's features, habitat and food are weaved through into each story. Head 2 Heart Books has partnered with People's Trust of Endangered Species (PTES), a charity based in London, and is donating 5% of sale proceeds to PTES to help bring the wild back to life! www.ptes.org
Each book has their own FREE downloadable activity pack offering parents and care-givers an opportunity to talk further about specific
themes addressed as well as some book-related crafts to enjoy together. Research shows that supporting young children through their emotions in their early years has a positive impact on their emotional well-being, mental health and resilience in later years. So, our motivation, and hope, is to provide stories about everyday experiences with accessible vocabulary to get little ones talking.
Meet the team...
The Little Paws Hotel
Clare Luther
Author/ Founder & Director of H2HB
Clare Luther studied Occupational Therapy at Oxford Brookes University. Clare worked as an Occupational Therapist and Life Coach, both in the public and
private sector until 2013. Clare now spends her time
running 'The Little Paws Hotel' for dachshunds and
Head 2 Heart Books Ltd, having held a passion
for poetry writing since her teenage years.
Clare lives in London in a faith-filled home
with her husband, two children and their miniature
smooth black and tan dachshund, Wotsit.
Maria Floyd Illustrator
Maria studied Fine Art and History of Art at Goldsmith’s College, London and is a successful painter and illustrator. Maria regularly exhibits her work in a
number of galleries in the South West and divides
her time between Dartmoor and North Cornwall.
Maria lives with her husband, three children and
their black Labrador/ Collie/ Whippet cross
(she thinks), Skye. www.mariafloydart.com
Skye
Skye loves walking on Dartmoor and is a part of Maria's family.
Melissa Fife Illustrator
Melissa studied Italian and German literature at Oxford and then worked in PR before focusing on illustration.
She is both a book illustrator and author and
has loved to draw and write as long as she can
remember. Her work uses varied media: pen
and ink, coloured pencil, watercolours and collage.
She also works digitally.
She lives London with her husband, twin girls, son
and cavapoo, Arlo. www.melissafife.co.uk
Arlo
Arlo is spaniel at heart
and he'll do anything for a piece of chicken liver.
Aneesa Cassimjee
Illustrator/ Graphic Designer
Aneesa studied graphic design and over the years
has worked as a graphic designer, creative director
and marketing manager beforeturning her hand to
illustrating children books. When she isn’t experimenting
on paper you will find her on her yoga mat.
Johanna Boddam-Whetham Author
Jo studied Geography at Durham University and then
worked as a Youth and Children's Worker for a church
in South London. She completed the Cornhill Bible
Training Course while in this role. Jo has contributed
to and authored various publications aiming to help
children and young people delight in Jesus through his word.
She lives up north with her husband and
four children. They have a cat!
Caspian
Perry-Greene Design Ltd
Graphic Designer
Susannah runs her own graphic design business, Perry-Greene Design, having worked in media for 25 years.
Susannah works with individuals and companies
on brand identity, marketing tools and web design.
She has worked closely with Head 2 Heart Books
from the offset bringing both the text and
illustrations to life, ensuring they are print ready.
Impress Print Services
An award winning environmental print company with an ongoing sustainability programme who are proud to be
one of only a few Carbon Balanced Printers in the country.
They actively support the important work of the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) and the World Land Trust.