ME AND MY BRIAN by Helen Rutter
PAPERBACK
Author: Helen Rutter
Illustrator: Claudia Petrazzi
Sometimes your mind can feel too loud. But what if listening is the first step to quieting the noise? Josh has a busy brain - so busy, in fact, that he’s given it a name: Brian.
Sometimes Brian is brilliant, full of clever ideas and quick thinking. But other times, he won’t stop worrying, whispering that everything that goes wrong is somehow Josh’s fault. When life at home becomes too much, Josh is sent to stay with his grandma in her ramshackle cabin in the middle of nowhere. At first, Brian’s voice only gets louder. But as Josh learns to slow down - helping in the garden, cooking with Grandma, and watching the world move at its own pace, he begins to see that maybe Brian isn’t his enemy after all. Maybe he just needs a little understanding.
With warmth, humour, and honesty, bestselling author Helen Rutter tells a moving story about anxiety, family, and finding calm in chaos. ME AND MY BRIAN reminds readers that every thought has a place - and that sometimes, the people who love us most can teach us how to make peace with our own minds. Perfect for readers aged 9 to13, and families looking for stories that open up conversations about mental health, empathy, and self-acceptance.
About Barrington Stoke: Barrington Stoke publishes super-readable books designed for readers of all abilities - including those with dyslexia, reluctant readers, and learners of English as an additional language. Their titles use a dyslexia-friendly font, cream paper, and clear layouts to reduce visual stress, making high-quality stories accessible and enjoyable for everyone.