Prepare to be captivated by a delightful cast of cartoon creatures eagerly waiting to spring to life and share their tales with young readers. Spud the Shetland pony, Sid the Spider, Toby the Tortoise, Arthur Dogsbody, and four other charming characters draw from real-life experiences to create stories that will resonate with children for years to come. While each story may begin with a challenging situation, these resilient creatures demonstrate how positive transformations can occur in their lives. In a time when supporting children’s personal well-being has never been more crucial, these tales serve as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, unexpectedly good outcomes can emerge from difficult circumstances. Jill hopes that these ‘Champion Chums’ will become cherished companions to children as they navigate an increasingly demanding world, offering comfort and encouragement along the way.
Jill Christmas is an occupational therapist who worked in hospitals on major adaptations for people with disabilities, then later established and ran the Christmas Children’s Clinic for 18 years, now known as Starjumpz. The clinic undertook assessments, reports, therapy, and statementing for children with developmental disorders, including dyspraxia, AD[H]D, autism spectrum disorders, dyslexia, and other allied conditions, on behalf of parents, county councils, and specialist schools. Three books were published from this specialised work, including Hands on Dyspraxia and Sensory Dinosaurs. Champion Chums is a different genre, providing ‘well-being’ stories told through a range of animal characters that offer positive outcomes in everyday life.