Tom Percival is a writer, artist, video producer and musician. Meesha Makes Friends is Tom's ninth picture book for Bloomsbury, following Herman's Letter, Herman's Holiday, Bubble Trouble, By the Light of the Moon, Perfectly Norman, Goat's Coat (illustrated by Christine Pym), Ruby's Worry and Ravi's Roar. Tom lives in Stroud with his partner and their two young children.

tom-percival.com

@TomPercivalsays

Be open, be honest, be you! Big Bright Feelings for little people.

SHORTLISTED FOR THE OSCAR BOOK PRIZE 2021

Meesha loves making things . . . but there's one thing she finds difficult to make - friends. She doesn't know quite what to do, what to say or when to say it. But one day she discovers that she has a special talent that might just help her navigate social situations - and maybe even make new friends.

A warm and affectionate look at the joys and difficulties of making and keeping friends, relating to others, and finding your place in the world. Empowering and emotionally resonant, Tom Percival's Big Bright Feelings series is the perfect springboard for conversations about mental and emotional health, building self-confidence and managing feelings. Every child's bookshelf should contain his books.

An absolute darling of a book. Its portrayal of children who find it hard to communicate, or have specific interests that are puzzling to others, is kind, sensitive and warming. So many books assume that young children are gregarious and find socialising easy whereas many, just like Meesha, find it baffling and confusing. a must for every classroom and a favourite for quieter children everywhere

Meesha really can make anything. She will make you appreciate how great it is to just be yourself; she will make you understand that you don't need to force a friendship. Meesha will make you happy, Meesha will you make smile. Meesha will make you fall in love with just being you

A sweet and uplifting story that celebrates diversity . and inspires children to dare to be different and have the courage to stand out

A joyous, original paean to individuality

If you need a book that tackles overcoming fears and finding your own rightful place in this world, then this is it

If your child has a worry - and all children do have worries - this is the ideal book to encourage them to talk about it

This beautifully illustrated book offers a creative way to explore how unaddressed anger can build up and the impact this can have on relationships and social dynamics.

Another fantastic and heart-warming 'Big Bright Feelings' picture book from the storyteller extraordinaire, Tom Percival! ... Beautifully written with striking illustrations that reinforce the story throughout, I am constantly amazed by everything Percival delivers

Another beautiful addition to Tom Percival's wonderful collection of stories centring around themes of emotions and mental health for children. Meesha Makes Friends is a heartwarming story about stepping out of your comfort zone and the magic of creativity

A book I'll keep returning to over and over again for the beautiful, gentle story and stunning illustrations

A wonderful story full of heart and hope, brilliant for those formative years in school where learning to share and make friends is the whole world

As ever, Percival's signature style is a joy to behold! Beautifully written with striking illustrations that reinforce the story throughout, I am constantly amazed by everything Percival delivers

The story is told with a beautiful simplicity and clarity but the truths that it conveys are important and heartfelt. Meesha has particular problems (adults will realise that she is autistic) but lots of us struggle with shyness and lack of confidence. Her story shows young readers how painful that can be and reassures them that talking, sharing, being honest and trusting others can change things.

This picture book answers the important questions for children on making friends, keeping friends, sharing and kindness too

Percival's illustrations are stunning, and using different shades of grey and colour, he superbly captures Meesha's emotions as she navigates the challenges of fitting in. Sensitively told, it is both beautiful and uplifting, and perfect for small children to voice their fears about new situations, and ways to overcome them

an uplifting story that will also inspire children to be kind and inclusive