Your head’s not the place to store problems by Josh Pike. Illus. by S.M.K.

In verses, Pyke leads the reader to gain some initial understanding of what their brain is for. The mind is a storage unit and can hold loads of things, sometimes so much that you may feel like it will explode.

Sometimes the problems seem heavy, sometimes so loud, and sometimes it feels full to the brim. But the mind is not the place to store problems.

Some thoughts are enormous, others seem small, and there is a friend who seems able to store lots of things. But not problems. A shift from the brain to life occurs as Pyke ignites the idea that life is not the place to store problems in. And the idea is postulated, asking where are the storage place for the problems and stresses of life. There is no place for them to be stored. They should be shared and set free, not kept, but let out. Once that is done there is much more space for kinder thoughts, so even though the brain seems full to the brim, there is no need for these to be problems.

A wonderful entreaty for kids not to be overwhelmed by problems, or dark thoughts, or stress. With this humorous play with words and ideas a teacher, care giver or active reader is enabled to discuss the problems that do exists and give children a path to walk down and share what troubles them. The text reinforces the idea that storing problems is not the province of their brain. Certainly, sometimes there are deep dark thoughts, but the text encourages them to let them out, talk about them, share them and not hold them to themselves. 

Stephen Michael King’s whimsical illustrations will entertain the readers as they see the words reflected in the images on each page. From dogs to dinosaurs, dragons and snakes, umbrellas and cupboards and lots of hats, each page will delight the imaginations of the readers as they follow the journey made by the little dog. The squiggles and shapes on the endpapers are repeated throughout the story, prompting thoughts about their presence, what they might mean and why they are there. Lots of cogs and wheels, shapes and solids, lines and squiggles will entrance the reader, coming to grips with the idea of sharing their down times.

Mental health is a focus in all households and classrooms, and here is an inviting book which underlies the place of stresses or worries. Kids are encouraged to share, let out, see them off as the book through an enticing text and wonderful illustrations stress the idea that the brain is not the place for problems, and gives them a roadmap of how to part with them.

Themes: Mental health, Brain, Problems, Stress, Humour.

Fran Knight