“A beautiful collection of stories that poetically capture the essence of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. To read and savour and ponder - and then apply, to make the most of your life.” - Russ Harris, Author of The Happiness Trap, ACT Trainer

“Dr Carrie Hayward has done such a good job of writing these stories to help make important, complex ideas understandable and relatable”
 - Lucy Durack, Actor, Writer and Co-founder of Hey Lemonade

"This charming and wise story teaches a counter-intuitive life lesson: If you are not willing to have the emotions you have, that is what you'll get. Highly recommended.” - Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D. Originator of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

“Touching and important, speaking to the value of human connection.”
-Sally Hepworth, bestselling author of Darling Girls and The Good Sister

“Carrie has an incredible ability to clearly identify and articulate the complexity, the struggle and the beauty of the human experience. As a result, reading these books/this book can help us feel less alone in our sometimes challenging journey of life. She harnesses the power of story, and adds evidence-based theory and accessible strategies. In doing so, she offers us both a companion for life and a practical resource to support us to live with more purpose, passion and connection. I cannot wait to recommend these beautiful books/this beautiful book to all of my clients as well as savor my very own copies” - Liv Downing - Psychologist, Meditation & Mindfulness teacher, Author

"This delightful little book by Dr Hayward, will light up your day. It would be gorgeous to give as a gift, to have in your waiting room or to live beside your bed. It is a modern day fable with a deeper meaning conveying hope and action to move you towards living the life you need. Dip into it when you need a pick me up, or when you want to feel less alone when life gets dark. It’s a gorgeous book for anyone!“ - Rachael O’Connor, Psychologist. ACT Therapist. Director of The Therapy Spot

“These beautifully illustrated books can easily be read in one sitting ,with a mindful cuppa or just before bed, from start to finish.” - NZ Motorhomes, Caravans and Destinations

I wholeheartedy applaud this creative endeavour. It’s a wonderful, accessible and practical introduction to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy backed by years of research and application. The writing is extraordinary – it’s like a gentle walk through another person’s life, and the challenges they face. Each story holds up a mirror to the reader – although there was no direct contextual similarity in each of the four volumes, I felt a profound connection with the challenges they faced. These books touched me deeply.

Each volume concludes with an afterword, which brings the threads of each story together and presents practical approaches to using the ACT framework in our lives. Aside from the content – I love the illustrations by Elizabeth Szekely. Carrie – thank you for bringing this collection into the world – bravo!

- Ross McIntosh | Work Psychologist, Coach and host of the People Soup Podcast

“awonderful, accessible and practical introduction to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy backed by years of research and application. The writing is extraordinary – it’s like a gentle walk through another person’s life, and the challenges they face.” – Ross McIntosh, Work Psychologist, Coach and host of the People Soup Podcast