Kate Foster writes children's books about friends, family, and dogs. Originally from the south east of England, she now lives on the beautiful Gold Coast in Australia with her family and rescue dogs. She loves eating cake, reading books, and watching cooking programmes on TV!
This beautiful, poignant, heartfelt book is a must-read for kids and adults alike. A stunning, empowering insight into childhood mental illness - with one very cute dog, too! * Kate Gordon * An important book for our times, The Bravest Word is told with heartbreaking honesty, insight and compassion. You will be uplifted and inspired by Matty's journey and his deep and instant connection with rescue dog, Cliff who helps him be brave enough to face the truth, and find a way forward. * Dee White * I came out of reading The Bravest Word, feeling that it's the perfect book for any kid who has anxiety or depression in their life - whether that's their own, or someone else's in their life (and that's just about all children). But it's also the perfect book for parents, sibling, friends, and neighbours to read to get a glimpse into the roller-coaster of experience someone dealing with mental illness issues goes through. Touching, sometimes funny, and with the cutest dog in recent literature, The Bravest Word is an honest exploration of a boy's struggle with acknowledging he needs help. It will resonate with anyone who has ever hesitated to reach out. It may also have the greatest Dad ever, a fantastic role model for kindness and gentleness and strength. * Pamela Freeman * I devoured (The Bravest Word) in a few days, during my daily half-an-hour sitting in the car under a tree, waiting at school pick-up. I cried. Numerous times. In the car. And was ultimately left uplifted and filled with warm feelings... highly recommend this book for all people aged from 10+. There are some difficult issues and emotions, which will open up opportunity for discussion with your children and young people. The very important point that speaking up and asking for help is brave, will be beneficial for anyone who has ever struggled with depression, or any other problem. * Dr Helen Edward * Wow, this book had me feeling all the feels. A book about depression in kids. This hits hard and is beautifully handled. I admit I got teary - several times...I think a book like this can foster good conversation amongst kids, and also between kids and the adults in their lives. It's okay to talk about it. We should be talking about it. There is a widespread view in Australia about the blokey bloke the mateship paradigm, the don't be weak, don't be a wuss mentality. It's changing slowly as we educate the masses that mental health is important and that anyone can feel this way but there is a long way to go to curb the stigma of shame around poor mental health. It is not weak to talk about your feelings and to talk to your mates. Mental health matters and I think it's books like The Bravest Word that will help encourage the conversation. I definitely recommend this read - for all ages. * Solo The First *