Book Spotlight: Jellybean

Book Spotlight: Jellybean – Understanding Anxiety and Building Empathy

Jellybean is a powerful and timely story written by Eve Ainsworth and illustrated by Theo Parish, that explores anxiety-based school avoidance—an issue that has affected many children, especially since the COVID‑19 pandemic. The book follows Ellie Bean, known as Jellybean, whose worries begin as small everyday concerns but gradually grow until attending school feels impossible. Ellie can’t point to one specific cause; secondary school simply feels overwhelming, and she struggles to explain why.

What makes Ellie’s journey so valuable is the compassion shown by the adults around her. Her parents and school work patiently and sensitively to understand her needs, helping her reintegrate at a pace that feels safe. From supportive teachers to visits from an Education Welfare Officer, Ellie is never treated as “naughty” or “in trouble”—just a young person who needs understanding. The story also highlights the realities many families face when seeking help through GPs, CAMHS and counselling.

Jellybean is an excellent resource for pupils, families and school staff. It reassures children experiencing similar anxieties that they are not alone, while helping others build empathy for classmates who may be struggling. As 2026 marks the National Year of Reading, the book aligns beautifully with EmpathyLab’s theme, Jump Into Someone Else’s Story, showing how reading can deepen understanding and connection within our school community.

Three of our students, Fathiat, Toshi, and Tyler, share their thoughts on Jellybean's story and the importance of building empathy in the video below: