Maya's ACE Adventures! A Story to Celebrate Children's Resilience Following Adverse Childhood Experiences

Biography

Dr Mine Conkbayir is an award-winning author, trainer and researcher passionate about bridging the knowledge gap between neuroscience and the EY sector. A key contributor to the Birth to Five Matters non-statutory guidance for the Early Years Foundation Stage and designer of the first-ever neuroscience-informed qualifications for the EY sector, her latest award-winning book, Early Childhood and Neuroscience: Theory, Research and Implications for Practice, is now in its second edition.

"Children’s lives are full of big challenges that adults often don’t see. Hearing stories about how other children handle their worries prompts creative solutions and hope. This story of a little girl named Maya and her pet hamster Harry is a story full of those hopeful solutions. We are treated to an adventure in Maya’s secret dreamland where she discovers how she can tackle her own worries and who she can get help from. She shows us the importance of trust, talking and breathing slowly. I love that award-winning author, Dr Mine Conkbayir has put her knowledge of neuroscience to use in a brand-new way. We could all do with more of the wisdom Maya gains in her dreams. We need more stories like this one – because it boosts insights for children and adults alike." - Suzanne Zeedyk, trauma specialist, founder of Connected Baby and child psychologist

"We look forward to making use of these excellent and important resources for children affected by the Adverse Childhood Experiences, and potential trauma, of witnessing the arrest and imprisonment of parents or other family members.  Between 200-300,000 children a year are affected by parental imprisonment, and many more by the imprisonment of siblings and other close family members.  There is no safety net for these children, other than the work of a handful of charities. We applaud Dr Conkbayir for her work to mitigate the harms caused to prisoners' children. We are excited to see what she will do next." -  Andy Keen-Downs, Chief Executive, Pact (Prison Advice & Care Trust)

"Dr Mine Conkbayir’s book is an incredible, magical insight into some of the complex emotions many young children and their families can experience when life is a little confusing. There is a purity and honesty of both the storytelling and the characters of Maya and Harry. Their partnership is heartfelt and warm. 　

You can't help but feel you are on their journey as the story evolves in the different worlds. The impact is quite profound.You start to relate and want to understand and learn more of how children feel in times of trouble which is very powerful.

You finish the story on a high with a reality of how sharing our feelings, being kind and talking can only inspire others.

Can’t wait for the next chapter!"

Paul Adams

, foster carer and POP Charity CEO