Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospital’s Director of Infrastructure, Dr Kirsty Edmondson-Jones has pledged to donate 50% of the royalties from her newly published children’s science book, Butterflies, Worms, Giggles and Tickles – An interactive Elf-Help Book for Children Who Worry, to the DBTH Charity.
The book, which introduces neuroscience concepts using child-friendly language to help young readers understand feelings of worry and anxiety, was published on 5 October and is available to purchase on Amazon.
In its first week of publication, the title entered the Top 100 Best-Selling Children’s Science Books category on Amazon at number 63, rising to number 35 by week two. With royalties of approximately £6 per copy, Dr Edmondson-Jones’ donation pledge is expected to create a meaningful and sustained income stream for the hospital charity. She explained that she chose authorship over a one-off sponsored event to ensure ongoing support long into the future.
Alongside the donation of royalties, Dr Edmondson-Jones will gift £600 worth of her book to children on the wards at Doncaster Royal Infirmary (DRI) and Bassetlaw Hospital during two planned book-signing visits in November and December. Further signings open to the public are planned in Lincoln, York and Hull, with hopes that wider community engagement will boost sales and charitable contributions.
Dr Edmondson-Jones said: “I wanted to do something that could continue giving back to the Trust and its patients for many years to come. Writing and illustrating this book is a lovely way to educate children and support their wellbeing while also hopefully creating a steady income stream for the hospital charity. If my interactive books help children feel calmer and more confident, while also helping our hospitals, then that’s a wonderful outcome.”
Butterflies, Worms, Giggles and Tickles introduces children to the physical and emotional sensations associated with worry, using relatable terms such as “wriggly worms” and “fluttering butterflies.” The book teaches that these feelings are not just a natural response, but that it is ‘very clever brain science’, and importantly includes simple, evidence-based strategies grounded in neuroscience and mindfulness to help children take control and return to calm.
This publication is the first in a planned series of children’s neuroscience books. The second instalment, entitled The Cuddle Bear – A Bear’s Purpose, will explore confidence and self-esteem, and is expected in summer 2026.
As a mother, grandmother and clinical researcher with academic interests in neuroscience and positive psychology, Dr Edmondson-Jones hopes her work will become a useful resource for families, schools and health professionals.
Adrian Petts, Head of Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Charity, said: “Our colleagues, their friends and families are some of our biggest supporters, as they see first-hand the wonderful care delivered by our dedicated teams. With charitable funds we can go above and beyond what is expected, providing enhanced patient experiences through improved facilities, environments and more. We are incredibly grateful for Kirsty’s generosity and creativity in supporting the work of the Charity.”
Butterflies, Worms, Giggles and Tickles is available to purchase now via Amazon.