Endorsements

"The book is wonderful---we have had our families read it and they have asked their kids' teachers to read it as well. Your award is well deserved!" R. Lindsey Bergman, Ph.D., Assistant Clinical Professor, Director, UCLA Selective Mutism Treatment Program, Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles

BMA Medical Book Competition Winner Highly Commended in the BMA Patient Information Awards (Printed Materials), 'My Friend Daniel Doesn't Talk' really impressed the judges: "This leaflet has been written by a parent of a child with selective mutism who has written numerous articles on the subject. It is written for children to help explain some of the issues around children who 'don't talk' and has been beautifully produced and introduces a sensitive topic via a lovely story about friendship which is a great way to engage with children and inform them about a subject without making it 'an issue' and risk stigmatising a child even more... I loved the illustrations and the characters were portrayed with a gentleness and sensitivity which made the story very likeable. The humour in the story is subtle and effective and unlike many 'stories with a message' written for children, this book is a pleasurable read in its own right, and stands up as a lovely story book, but with the added bonus of including the universal theme of 'being different' and in particular providing a basic explanation for selective mutism. I really loved this book. What really came through, is that it was written with real thought, care and from someone who really understands and empathises with the subject matter. Well done!" "Daniel teaches us the essentials of what it's like to be a selectively mute child and what each sm child needs to grow and thrive. Every sm child should have a friend like Daniel does!" Marian Moldan, RCSW Clinical Social Worker specializing in the treatment of selective mutism and formerly selectively mute

"This book is for children with severe shyness, social anxiety or selective mutism."- Alice Sluckin, SMIRA Selective Mutism Information and Research Association