Do children even read books any more??

This was one of the questions we asked ourselves when first setting out to write Melva Mapletree and the Great Undoing – a book about adolescence and the very relatable human experience of going through changes and uncertainty, trying to fit in and figure out who you are, while at the same time having to deal with all the unexpected things that life throws at you.

A good story can transport us somewhere, a bit of welcome escapism from our real-life concerns and if we also see ourselves reflected in the characters and their experiences, that story can also help us feel less alone.

And for children, increasingly engaging in life and friendships via quick-fire digital means – apps, social media sound bites, memes, reels and instant messaging - do they even want a book? Will it make any difference to their lives?

And this is especially important when dealing with some of the themes that our story covers – grief, loss, uncertainty, bereavement, loneliness and self-harming behaviours. These are challenging enough topics for grown ups to consider and manage in our lives – so where do children even start and where do we start with supporting them?

This is one of the main reasons we wrote Melva Mapletree and the Great Undoing, so that, as well as the fun, escapist element, it could be used as a creative way to deepen understanding of emotional topics and bring children and grown ups together in important conversations.
​
And conversations like these are vital for our children right now.

In 2024-25, the rates of SEMH (social, emotional and mental health) needs amongst primary school children - the book’s main target audience – continued to rise for another year.

In Northumberland, the county where we’re based, in 2022-23, according to the office for health improvement and disparities, there were 490 young people admitted to hospital for self-harming behaviours, significantly higher than the national average. 

“This book is a relatable and funny insight into life for a pre-teen”

“[My son] recently lost his dog and we were able to talk about the death and Maisie always keeping an eye on him, thanks to the book.”

“I liked the part where Melva tried to create a new her because I tried to do that as well!”

Melva Mapletree and the Great Undoing is available to buy now £9.99 on Amazon. ​

With these worrying statistics and the sensitivity of these subjects, drawing on the expertise of others has been vital in crafting this book.  Expert advisers like the warm, vibrant and diligent Victoria Beattie of Kalmer Counselling and Lily Mae Kroese’s beautiful and poignant portrayal of the complex and challenging emotions of adolescence (and let’s face it – still very much part of adult life too!) both leap to mind.

I fully support the National Year of Reading and their Go All In campaign, but if we want children to keep reading books, let’s also make sure we provide something that’s really worth them giving their time and energy to; something of lasting meaning and value.
​
Kiz Crosbie, Co-Writer
January 2026