Monday 16 December
At just eleven years old, Ivy Parker has done something many adults dream of - she’s published not one, but two books. In her latest release, the St Francis of the Fields Strathfieldsaye student, continues her mission of helping anyone who feels overwhelmed, delivering relatable characters and practical advice. With a remarkable ability to understand and convey the complexities of human emotions, Ivy is proving that age is no barrier to making a difference.
Both of Ivy’s books feature Emerson, a gender-neutral character who is central to the narrative. From the start, Ivy made deliberate choices to ensure inclusivity in her stories. Images of the main character, their mother, and other characters intentionally do not resemble the author, emphasizing that these are stories for everyone.
Her first book; published when she was only 10 years old is called ‘The buzzing bees in my brain’. The story offers a glimpse into the experience of one child during a meltdown, and while each child is unique, there are some things that support all children (and adults) when they are experiencing overwhelming emotions.
According to the Yarrawonga based publisher, The Play Way, patience, empathy and support are key components of effective co-regulation and are vital components of building trust, supporting emotional wellbeing and assisting with the development of skills.
Ivy's proud family has been an essential support system on her literary journey. Her mother, a speech pathologist, contributed valuable coping strategies at the back of both books, ensuring readers walk away with tools they can use. These strategies are thoughtfully designed in bite-sized chunks, making them accessible whether readers want to digest them all at once or explore them piece by piece.
At school, Ivy's accomplishments have become a source of inspiration for her classmates and teachers. Her primary school celebrates her success enthusiastically, and her classmates have even helped shape her work. Through discussions and feedback, Ivy gained insights into how coping mechanisms like stimming—often misunderstood as annoying or disruptive—can be reframed as valuable self-regulation techniques.
“Stims, school and me” is Ivy’s recent picture story book. Once again, we follow Emerson’s experience with implementing sensory and emotional regulation tools at school. Although the central character is the same, Ivy’s second book is in hard cover and a different illustrator has created the pictures. Ivy has input into the drawings to make sure that they capture the reactions of those around her to raise awareness about how one person’s coping mechanisms can impact others around them.
But Ivy’s life isn’t just about writing. Like many her age, she loves singing and dancing, balancing her passion for storytelling with other activities. While her talent and creativity suggest a dazzling future as an author, her diverse interests leave open countless possibilities.
One can’t help but wonder what lies ahead for this talented young author. Whether Ivy continues to inspire through her writing, her music, or any other path, one thing is clear; the world will be hearing a lot more from her in the years to come.
If you would like to know more about Ivy's books and other resources from The Play Way - follow this link
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