In a world where understanding mental health is becoming increasingly important, author-illustrator Roxana Chitanu has introduced a unique tool aimed at the youngest readers. Her new picture book, "Inside," launched this May on Amazon, is designed to help children navigate their inner landscapes—thoughts, feelings, and memories—in an engaging and comprehensible way.
Based in Italy, Romanian-born Chitanu has crafted "Inside" to coincide with key mental health awareness dates, including Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day and Month. The book uses a simple yet profound narrative to introduce concepts of self and emotional well-being to children, making it a timely resource for parents and educators seeking to foster emotional growth in young minds.
"Inside is your self. Inside is your home," reads the opening line of the book, setting the tone for a journey into the abstract yet intimate world each child carries within. Through its beautifully illustrated pages, "Inside" guides young readers to explore and understand their own "inside"—a place where their thoughts, feelings, and memories reside and where they remain constant despite external changes.
Chitanu's approach to explaining the concept of consciousness and the self likens it to a snail’s shell—always present and providing comfort and identity, no matter where life leads. This analogy aims to make complex psychological concepts accessible and relatable to children, providing them with a foundational understanding of their own mental and emotional health.
"Inside encourages children to meditate on the self and the home that they carry with them wherever they go," says Roxana Chitanu. "This book serves as a support material not only for children but for adults as well, helping them become more aware of their inner worlds, better prepared for life’s challenges, and ultimately, more balanced human beings."
The release of "Inside" is part of Chitanu’s broader mission to enrich children’s lives through art and narrative. After rediscovering her passion for drawing and storytelling following the birth of her daughter, Chitanu has dedicated herself to creating emotionally resonant and visually captivating books. Her work focuses on themes that resonate deeply with both children and adults, making complex feelings and ideas more accessible to young minds.
"Inside" is available for purchase on Amazon and is an ideal pick for parents and educators looking for engaging ways to introduce concepts of mental and emotional health to children. As Roxana Chitanu continues to explore and depict the intricate worlds of emotion and consciousness, her books stand out as valuable resources for nurturing young minds in today's challenging world.