In Winter 2020 the world was worried. Covid cases on the rise, and Europe was in a second lockdown.

It can be hard to keep your spirits up when you don’t really see any reasons to.

Even worse: All of our worries rubs off on our kids. And how can we comfort them when we’re worried ourselves?

Inspired by a University of Oxford study, detailing how children in lockdown are feeling unhappy and worried, we decided to write them a bedtime story.

Our objective was to bring comfort to a world that truly needs it- as well as raising awareness and funds for UK children’s charity Barnardo’s.

The budget was an agency investment of £2,000.00 for printing, distribution and promotion.

The initial print run was 1000 books, promoted within the UK but eventually sold globally.

Throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, Barnardo's have worked to highlight the psychological and physical effects on children, and offer practical support.

Last year alone around 300,000 children, young people, parents and carers were supported by Barnardo’s through more than 1,000 services across the UK.

So, we could not have thought of a more relevant charity to donate proceeds to.

The book was aimed at children aged between four and 10 years old. It was launched in February 2021, shortly after the government had extended school closures, and children continued to be kept at home. So, our aim was to reach out to their parents and offer a practical way to reassure and entertain their children while raising money and awareness for Barnardo's.

Hand drawn illustrations are the primary element in the book. They turn ordinary situations from a pre-pandemic world into extraordinary moments.

The use of only black and white creates an elegant balance between the seriousness of the pandemic and the happy and hopeful scenarios, (allowing us to tell a hopeful yet serious story grounded in reality).

The book was printed on a substantial, uncoated stock, creating a high quality feel. The finished book was A4 in size, 20pp.

Our book was purchased and shared by notable parenting and childrens' literature influencers on social media, which organically spread reach beyond our initial UK target market.

Books were bought by customers throughout the UK as well as Europe, Australia, and the Americas.

We raised several thousand pounds for Barnardo's while raising awareness of their critical work.