Being Me

Three gifted poets team up with a collection of poems dealing with worries and anxieties and find ways to develop empathy and mindfulness

Read about the Land of Blue, where it’s OK to feel sad, find ways to slow down, chill out, discover kindness in yourself and other people. Then maybe your own special Thought Machine will tell you, ‘This is going well. You’re doing great. You’ve got this!’ And you have! This ground-breaking collection by three leading poets offers understanding, support and encouragement. With an endnote by a leading clinical psychologist.

"A ground-breaking anthology of 45 poems by three leading poets offers understanding, support and encouragement."

"Forty-five new poems confront anxieties and worries, helping with ways to develop empathy and mindfulness."

"In 2021, this book could be just the answer for so many children who are facing anxiety and worries about their life and the world."

"Very much in tune with the feelings the three poets have written of are the quirky black and white illustrations by new illustrator Victoria Jane Wheeler; and the book concludes with a note from developmental psychologist Dr Karen Goodall that includes some suggestions as to how an adult might open up a discussion. A special book that I strongly recommend for both school and home collections."

"So often books with a 'message' are contrived or over-earnest but this is absolutely not the case for Being Me with its authentic voices & compassionate clarity... This is surely a book for our times."

"Such a useful anthology to have in class to spark discussion and raise awareness of the lived experiences of others as well as support children’s development of emotional literacy and empathy...Perfect for children throughout Key Stage 2."

"From reading the first poem in this collection I was hooked and read poem after poem finding they spoke to me in so many ways."

"This important and unique anthology of 45 poems by three leading poets, well known for their empathy and perception, speaks to the heart of what children think and care about, offering understanding, support, and encouragement."

"This is a truly stunning collection of poignant, powerful poems by three outstanding poets, illustrated by Victoria Jane Wheeler… each and every poem is a real gem. I cannot recommend this collection highly enough."

"Children are often more aware of troubled times – at home or in the world around them – than adults give them credit for... This new book by established children’s poets, Brownlee, Goodfellow and Mucha aims to help."

"A new collection from the talented pens of @Lizpoet, @EarlyTrain & @lauramucha.This anthology speaks of worries that touch children’s lives. Some offer solutions, others recognition. The poems could be used in KS2 assemblies, PSHCE & literacy lessons."

"This is an anthology not just for today. The subjects covered are ones that children everywhere have experienced – and will continue to experience. These are poems to be shared with the whole class or family or given to the child who needs something immediate. Empathetic, sympathetic, reassuring – recommended for both KS1 and KS2 teachers and pupils alike... The illustrations by Victoria Wheeler are a perfect adjunct to the words – spiky, simple, pen and ink images that capture a mood or situation, allowing the imagination free rein."

"No4 in #12PoetryBooksofChristmas is Being Me @OtterBarryBooks by the fabulous @Lizpoet @EarlyTrain & @lauramucha deserving of its place on this year's @clpe1 shortlist this is a book should be on the curriculum & in every school."

Liz Brownlee is a poet, performer and film-maker. Much of her work is about animals, and she is a frequent visitor to school with her guidance dog Lola. She and Matt Goodfellow have previously collaborated, with Roger Stevens, on another collection, The Same Inside. She lives in Bristol. Her website is

Matt Goodfellow's poetry collections Chicken on the Roof and Caterpillar Cake, and his strikingly original picture storybook, Shu Lin's Grandpa, illustrated by Yu Rong, are published by Otter-Barry Books. He lives in Manchester.

Laura Mucha is the author of Dear Ugly Sisters (Otter-Barry Books, August 2020). The theme of Being Me is very close to her heart. She lives in London.


Since 2005, Victoria Jane Wheeler has been a creative practitioner at the Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester. She is currently visiting lecturer in Fashion and Design at the University of Chester and Liverpool Hope University. Her work has been widely exhibited in the north-west of the UK, including Manchester Art Gallery. She lives near Manchester, UK.

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