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Why I’m Re-watching The Handmaid’s Tale in 2025; and Why It Fuels My Children’s Books
Equality Issues · Opinion

Why I’m Re-watching The Handmaid’s Tale in 2025; and Why It Fuels My Children’s Books

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There are worse things to watch before bed than The Handmaid’s Tale, I know. But I’ve been re-watching it in 2025, and it’s hitting me differently. Sharper. Heavier. Closer to home than I’d like.

And it’s reminded me (forcefully, urgently), why I write the kind of children’s books I do.

People have asked (usually politely, sometimes not): Why do you, a children’s author, post about politics on Instagram? Why the angry captions? Why the news commentary mixed in with picture books?

My response is always the same, and very simple: because it’s all connected. What we teach children on our laps shapes who they become, what they tolerate, and what they stay silent about as adults.

Is it really fiction?

The Handmaid’s Tale is dystopian fiction. But in 2025, it doesn’t feel like fiction. It feels like a warning we ignored. Women’s rights are being stripped back. People are banning books. Politicians are using fear to control the narrative. And so many people are shrugging and scrolling.

Watching it again, I’m reminded how quickly freedoms can vanish when people look the other way. When they convince themselves that issues of equality, acceptance, and autonomy are too political to talk about around children.

But that’s exactly when we should be talking about them.

My books might be full of rhyme and silliness and giggles, but the message beneath the rhymes matters. That both girls and boys are smart, brave, and capable, and should be free to be themselves. That being different doesn’t mean being less. That kindness is a superpower. That everyone deserves to belong.

That might seem small. But it’s how it starts. Because before someone burns a book, they have to believe that book is dangerous. Before someone sees a woman as property, they have to believe she’s less. Before someone hurts another person for who they are, they have to believe that person is other.

And belief starts young.

So yes, I write rhyming children’s books. But I also post about politics. I call out injustice. I talk about the importance of raising kids who understand equality not just as a concept, but as a way of living.

Because The Handmaid’s Tale might be fiction, but it’s also a mirror. And I want no child growing up thinking the reflection it shows is normal.

Back to my re-watch. (And no, I’m not sleeping well. But I am writing faster.)

Some bedtime reading:

For a book that teaches boys and girls that they’re equals and can do anything they set their mind to, read She’s Not Good for a Girl, She’s Just Good!

For a book that teaches boys and girls that we can all wear different hats in life, and that who we are should not be determined by another person, read The Queen Engineer

For a book that teaches boys and girls that it’s okay for boys (and men) to cry, show their feelings, and feel their emotions, read How Frank Helped Hank

Equality Issues · Opinion

Why Saoirse Ronan’s Viral Moment on The Graham Norton Show Matters

Featured admin

Recently, Saoirse Ronan’s comment on The Graham Norton Show went viral. For an important reason.

Eddie Redmayne recounted a safety tip (involving use of his mobile phone) which he had been given while learning self defence, and Paul Mescal joked: who has time to think about reaching for a phone when being attacked.

Ronan simply said, “It’s what girls have to think about all the time.” which at first silenced the room, and was then met by applause after she followed with, “Am I right ladies?”

Ronan subtly redirected the conversation by addressing the reality that many women are often on high alert to threats to their safety. It was a powerful reminder that even decent men like Mescal, may not fully grasp the weight women carry, around daily concerns about personal safety.

This resonated with so many because it highlighted the often unseen, ongoing vigilance that women maintain in spaces where they should feel safe. Like for example simply going for a walk.

Violence against women and girls (VAWG) isn’t just a “women’s issue” but a serious societal problem, impacting how women navigate public spaces and relationships

Saoirse’s remark was a gentle, but necessary reminder: even the good guys need to recognise and acknowledge the reality women live with daily.

While the clip may have gone viral, the discussion on The Graham Norton Show isn’t just a “viral moment”; it’s an important conversation starter. It invites everyone to consider how we can all be more mindful of the challenges women face and why it’s crucial for everyone, especially men, to be allies in creating a safer, more aware society.

What did you think about the clip?

Why Books Make the Best Christmas Presents for Children
Opinion

Why Books Make the Best Christmas Presents for Children

Featured admin

As Christmas approaches, parents, grandparents, and friends often search for the perfect gifts that bring joy, inspire creativity, and have lasting value. In a world full of flashy toys and electronic gadgets, it’s easy to overlook one of the simplest yet most rewarding gifts you can give a child: a book. Now, as an author, I may be a tad biased!! But here’s why I think books make the best Christmas presents for children, and why they’ll always be a timeless choice under the tree.

1. Encouraging a Lifelong Love of Reading

Giving a child a book can spark a love of reading that will last a lifetime. Books offer an immersive experience that nurtures the imagination, helps children develop empathy, and broadens their understanding of the world. And! By starting them on this journey when young, you’re planting the seeds for a habit that not only benefits their education, but also becomes a source of lifelong pleasure.

2. Books Are Educational, But Never Boring

While many gifts focus on entertainment, books strike the perfect balance between fun and learning. Whether it’s a fantastical adventure, a beautifully illustrated picture book (ahem, like mine!), or an educational story, children are learning new things without even realising it. From vocabulary building to learning problem-solving skills, books engage their brains in ways that screen-based gifts simply can’t.

3. They Encourage Family Bonding

The gift of a book can be an invitation to quality time. Reading together as a family, whether it’s a bedtime story or a shared reading adventure, creates moments of bonding that are irreplaceable. It’s a chance for parents and children to connect, unwind, and share the magic of storytelling. I was never a huge fan of bedtime story time, but Thea and I would often curl up on the sofa in the afternoons to read together.

4. Nurture the Imagination

Books are the ultimate playground for the mind. A great story encourages children to dream, to put themselves in others’ shoes, and to see the world from new perspectives. While toys may offer a few hours of entertainment, a book provides endless adventures and characters that linger in their imaginations long after the last page has been turned.

5. They Can Be Personalised

One of the unique aspects of books as gifts is the ability to tailor them to the child’s interests or even personalise them. Whether it’s a story about dinosaurs, fairies, space travel, or everyday adventures, there’s a book for every child. Some publishers even offer personalised books where the child becomes the hero, adding a special touch to their Christmas present.

6. A Break from Technology

In a world where children are increasingly surrounded by screens, giving a book provides a much-needed break from technology. It’s a chance for children to engage with a physical object, turn the pages themselves, and let their imagination take over without the overstimulation that often comes from digital devices. Often Thea and I come to agreements that she’ll read for 30 minutes then she can use a device for 30 minutes. It works for us!

7. A Gift That Lasts

While some toys or gadgets may break or lose their appeal after a few weeks, books are a gift that endures. A cherished book can be read over and over again, shared with siblings or friends, and even passed down through generations. For younger children, picture books become a comforting presence, while older kids can revisit their favourite stories as they grow.

8. Books Teach Important Life Lessons

Beyond the enjoyment, books often teach children valuable life lessons—about kindness, friendship, perseverance, and empathy. A well-chosen book can help a child navigate tricky situations in life or reinforce positive behaviour in a way that’s meaningful to them. Again, although a tad biased, if you’re looking for books that teach children about equality, diversity, inclusion or acceptance, I can highly recommend my books!

9. Inspiring Creativity

Reading isn’t a passive activity; it requires a child to actively engage their mind. When children read, they visualise characters and settings, hear the voices of the story’s characters in their heads, and imagine the twists and turns of the plot. This kind of creative engagement is crucial for a child’s cognitive and emotional development.

10. A Sustainable, Thoughtful Gift

Finally, in a season often filled with excess, books make for a thoughtful, sustainable gift. They don’t rely on batteries or contribute to clutter. And if you’re looking for an eco-friendly Christmas, choosing books over plastic toys can be a step in the right direction.

And so…

Books are more than just presents; they are little windows into other worlds, keys to knowledge, and friends for life. This Christmas, consider popping a few titles under the tree for the children in your life. Particularly given that my books are currently on sale in the run up to Black Friday! You’re not only giving your tiny humans something to unwrap on Christmas morning—you’re giving them the gift of imagination, learning, and countless hours of joy.

Which one will put under the Christmas tree this year?

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Equality Issues · Opinion

The Effects of Toxic Masculinity on Women

Featured admin

Sometimes, people ask me why I wrote How Frank Helped Hank.

And the simple answer was I learned about toxic masculinity and the negative effect is has on boys and men.

But in researching the subject, I also learned about the negative effect it has on women.

Toxic masculinity doesn’t just harm men—its impact on women is equally damaging. When boys are told not to “act like girls” by showing their emotions, or engaging in certain activities (for example boy who love to dance, or play with dolls), the underlying message for girls is that being feminine is lesser.

These subtle reinforcements and they are of course subtle – generally in life we are shaped by many many micro moments – shape how girls view themselves from a young age. Often for young girls, internalising the idea that femininity is weak or undesirable, can lead to feelings of inadequacy, pushing pushing to question their worth, especially in male-dominated spaces. This continues throughout the teenage years and into womanhood, until we almost believe it ourselves that we are less than.

And as girls grow into women, the effects become more pronounced.

Women may avoid leadership roles or downplay their achievements in fear of being seen as overly aggressive or unfeminine. Relationships, too, are affected, as women may feel their emotional needs are devalued or dismissed, leading to an unhealthy imbalance where they aren’t taken seriously. The ripple effect of toxic masculinity impacts gender dynamics at every level, making it harder for men and women to relate as equals.

Both genders suffer, but often people assume that toxic masculinity only affects men.

But the impact on women is equally damaging and the cost is often in their emotional well-being and self-worth.

I wrote How Frank Helped Hank thinking it would be a book for little boys, but realised just like my other books, it’s a book for all children, regardless of their gender.

I’d love to know your thoughts.

Suze

Enhancing Literacy at KS1: The Impact of Author Visits
Events · Teachers

Enhancing Literacy at KS1: The Impact of Author Visits

Featured admin

As World Book Day is fast approaching, let’s delve into the significance of reading at Key Stage 1, and talk about the benefits of author visits in schools. We know that the impact goes beyond the pages of a book, providing a valuable boost to encourage children to read.

The Importance of Book Reading at KS1

If you’re a primary school teacher reading this blog post, you already know that reading is a fundamental skill, that lays the foundation for academic success and lifelong learning. At KS1, children are in a crucial stage of development, where literacy skills are rapidly evolving. Book reading plays a pivotal role in honing language proficiency, expanding vocabulary, and fostering comprehension skills. I cannot tell you the number of times I’ve heard teachers say, if you just do one thing, read!

The question is, how can we maximise the impact of reading in the early years? One effective strategy is to introduce students to real-life authors through school visits. And by authors, I mean me!

Author Visits: A Practical Approach

The presence of an author in the school setting adds a practical dimension to the learning experience. Instead of just encountering words on a page, pupils have the opportunity to engage with the creator of those words. This interaction can demystify the writing process and make literature more relatable for young minds. When I read in schools it’s such a joy to hear children tell me about the stories they write, or want to write, after a book reading!

Authors can bring a unique perspective to storytelling, offering insights into their creative process and the inspiration behind their works. This firsthand exposure can really enhance a child’s appreciation for literature. And provides them with the idea that writing can be a career choice.

Boosting Engagement on World Book Day

World Book Day presents an ideal occasion to organise author visits. It’s not just about dressing up as favourite characters (which is a lot of fun!), but it’s an opportunity to connect with the individuals behind the stories. An author’s visit on this day can serve as a catalyst for increased interest in reading, making the celebration more meaningful for students.

The impact of author visits on reading engagement at KS1 is definitely something to think about! These visits provide a practical and relatable dimension to the world of literature, fostering a deeper connection between students and the written word. A visit from an author can contribute significantly to the development of a generation of enthusiastic and lifelong readers.

So! Why not book a visit from an author today – preferably me! We’re talking about booking me here right?! Good we’re on the same page!

Just drop me an email at suze@theachopsbooks.com

See you in the classroom!

Suzanne Hemming children's author at a school book reading

5 Ways to Boost Girls’ Self Esteem
Opinion

5 Ways to Boost Girls’ Self Esteem

Featured admin

I do sometimes wonder,

that if little girls weren't encouraged to make themselves quiet and small by society, and if their confidence levels were encouraged, maybe it would help bring about greater equality. 

So raising the self esteem of our daughters sounds like a great place to start building their confidence...

So here are 5 ways to boost esteem in girls:

1. Don't raise her to be a people pleaser

We need to encourage girls to stand up, have a voice, & make their own choices. And yes, I fully appreciate this might add time to choosing: a bedtime story / what to wear / what game to play etc in their younger years. But confident assertive girls don't become so at the age of 18 as they leave home; so we have to get used to confident assertive toddlers / tweens / teens. 😳 I know! When Thea speaks my words back to me (Don't wear that hon. My body my choice mum) I have to take a deep breath, & remind myself that I'm helping her to have a voice!

2. Encourage team sports

There's a common correlation between girls who play team sports and levels of esteem. It's thought this is because girls are more likely to look to each other for value, rather than to boys for external validation. During games they also raise each other up based on actions rather than looks.

3. Praise actions & outcomes rather than appearance

It's so easy to say, what a pretty dress, what a pretty girl. And there's nothing wrong with complimenting anyone on these sorts of things. I compliment women in the street all the time: I love your dress! Where did you get it? But let's challenge ourselves to match any appearance based praise with one if not two positive comments on something non-appearance based.

4. Model body neutrality

Mums have a massive impact on their daughter's body image. Avoid asking questions like, do I look fat in this. I can't eat that I've been bad & eaten too much sugar already today. Kids absorb everything we say & do. This also is in effect when we talk about other women's appearances, negatively or positively. So the aim is to follow praise for appearance with praise for something else. Small changes like these can make big differences. Not everybody in the outside world will be sending these same positive messages, so it's good if we try to be a voice for change at home.

5. Get the men on board!

Ask dad or the other men in her life, to join in with trying to raise her up not tear her down. Ask them not to treat her as fragile or helpless; don't infer that they are damsels in distress who need a man to swoop in and rescue them! Ask them to encourage her to join in. With sports, with DIY etc. Ask them if they've ever thought about this, because chances are they won't have; most of us don't question the status quo.

What else can we do to build self confidence in our girls, so they grow up to be confident empowered young women? Let me know what you think.

World Mental Health Day – How to Use How Frank Helped Hank to talk about mental wellbeing
Teachers

World Mental Health Day – How to Use How Frank Helped Hank to talk about mental wellbeing

admin

World Mental Health Day 2023 is on 10th October.

If you're using this day and the surrounding week to discuss mental welling with your pupils, we're sure you'll agree that books are a great way to start these conversations in the classroom (and at home!).

There are so many wonderful books by brilliant authors that talk about mental health in a very age appropriate way. But it won't come as any surprise that we would recommend our most recent book How Frank Helped Hank.

The key message is the importance of talking about how we feel, and not bottling up and battling on. It models the ELG of showing sensitivity to both one's own and other's needs.  While giving children (& adults!) permission to cry without fear of mockery, thus supporting their mental health. 

Frank's dad Hank, doesn't think boys should cry

This is a great moment to say, "oh I'm not sure I agree with that do you? What do you think? Is it okay to cry if you feel sad or hurt?" Asking if they can think of any reasons why Hank would think this, is a great segue in the next section of book where learn a little more about Hank's childhood.

Hank tells Frank he shouldn't like "girls' things"

All people should be allowed to live unapologetically as their true selves! One of the lines in the book is "for good mental health you should just be yourself". This is also a great opportunity to debunk the idea that there are toys for girls and toys for boys! Why shouldn't Frank choose a sparkly wand?!

Frank encourages his dad to show his feelings

This part of the story is a great time to talk about not keeping our feelings bottled up inside. Frank knows that letting it out and having a good cry is a great way to feel better. I also love that it's the child who is caring for and teaching the parent here. Kids will love that too! We an all help each out when we're sad!

If you're talking to your pupils this week about mental wellbeing, we'd love to hear about how you used How Frank Helped Hank, to support your teaching. Please leave a comment below, or come and find us on Instagram, Facebook and Threads.

We're @theachopsbooks on all platforms. 

 

Thea Chops Books

You can also buy How Frank Helped Hank on Amazon and via Peter's

The Boy Who Baked Cakes
Events

The Boy Who Baked Cakes

Featured admin

Today, October 6th, is National Poetry Day. So I’m celebrating by posting a never seen before rhyme that I wrote way back, when I was just starting out on my writing journey. When I knew that I wanted to tackle the issues of inequality facing our children. Could I make a difference writing stories that taught kids they could do and be anything?

This one didn’t make it to a rewrite into an actual story book. I received some feedback on if, that it might be a little outdated; that television shows like The Great British Bakeoff had shown boys and men it was cool to be bakers. So I rather lost my nerve and didn’t pursue this one…

It’s been sat in a Dropbox folder for 6 years! But I think the message is still relevant. There will still be many young boys who are told they can’t do something because it’s traditionally seen as ‘for girls’. I hear it in toy shops, still to this day: put that back it’s for girls. So it felt like it was worth dragging it out the Dropbox, and sharing with you all today. Let me know what you think of The Boy Who Baked Cakes in the comments below.

The Boy Who Baked Cakes

There once was a boy, who was lacking in joy,

as he did not know what to do.

See though he liked planes and riding on trains,

he rather liked baking cakes too.

There was naught he loved more, in fact he adored,

creating a scrumptious sweet. 

He could spend half an hour, just sifting the flour,

to create the perfect treat.

Now there’s someone at school, a bit of a fool,

Who said, “boys shouldn’t be baking!”

“Why not?” the boy cried, “shouldn’t I bake with pride?

It’s an art form, make no mistaking!”

Then that someone from school, urgh what a fool,

simply just wouldn’t back down.

To the sports pitch he ran, oh what was his plan?

He was jumping around like a clown.

“Listen to me!” the fool cried with glee,

“There’s a chap here who says he can bake.

He says he likes planes, and riding on trains,

But baking? That’s a mistake!”

The boy hung his head, his face turned bright red,

the fool was being quite cruel.

What was so wrong? He’d thought all life long,

that baking cakes was quite cool.

The boy turned to leave, feeling aggrieved,

but was suddenly stopped in his tracks,

when cried out a girl, with a head full of curls,

“Ignore him and just face the facts!”

“So you like to bake, that’s not a mistake,

it’s something that makes your heart sing.

I spoke to my mum, ‘bout what to become,

She said ‘you can do anything!’

What makes you smile, just think for a while,

if this is what you enjoy:

you bake with great ease; you should do as you please,

so what if you are a boy?”

The boy stopped and smiled, and he thought for a while,

the girl with the curls was quite wise.

Yes he liked planes, and riding on trains,

but he also loved baking sweet pies.

And so he would bake, and make no mistake,

he would do it with joy and with pride.

And what will you do? What job’s right for you?

Well that’s just for you to decide!

All About Me Lesson Topic
Teachers

All About Me Lesson Topic

admin

Before children start school, they often believe that they are the centre of the universe! Some may never have been into a classroom or educational setting before, and this can be daunting. To ease their journey into education, when lesson planning, many teachers choose topics that kids are familiar with, and All About Me is often chosen first.

In our book, The Queen Engineer, Princess Florence has a very strong sense of who she is, what she enjoys, and who she wishes to be when she grows up. She's able to discuss her hopes and aspirations with a trusted adult, and in turn finds a way to discuss it with her father, the King. The King doesn't believe that girls should enjoy maths, or become scientists or engineers, which also opens up early discussions about equality, and out-dated gender specific roles. This can be used to encourage children to aspire to do (or be) something that they wish to do, even if they may have been told: that's not for girls/boys. The story supports the Early Learning Goal of managing self: it shows Florence as independent and resilient, and able to persevere in the face of a challenge. It models the importance of talking about your feelings and aspirations with an adult, while showing a child how to accept adults who are different to her.

How Frank Helped Hank is a wonderful book for referencing during many lessons and topics, and especially so during All About Me. The key message in this story, is the importance of talking about how we feel, and not bottling it up and battling on. It models the ELG of showing sensitivity to both their own and other's needs.  All the while giving children and adults alike permission to cry without fear of mockery, thus supporting their mental health. It's a great text to encourage children to talk about themselves, their likes and dislikes, their feelings, and their family members, when they introduce themselves at the start of a new school year.

If you're planning the All About Me topic for an Early Years or Key Stage one lesson, we'd love to hear how you used either The Queen Engineer, or How Frank Helped Hank, to support your teaching. Please leave a comment below, or come and find us on Instagram or Twitter.

We're @theachopsbooks on both platforms. 

 

Thea Chops Books

Love, Actually
Opinion

Love, Actually

Featured admin

Man up. What does ‘man up’ even mean anyway? Be more like a man? Are men creatures who don’t get upset? Don’t feel? Don’t want to have a good cry sometimes?

Remember at the start of Love, Actually when Liam Neeson’s character is crying a lot , because his wife had died. And Emma Thompson’s character says to him: Get a grip, people hate sissies. No-one’s ever going to shag you if you cry all the time. Remember that?

Love Actually came out in 2003; time when I admit I viewed the world very differently to how I do today. Then I would definitely have told my male friends to ‘man up’ or not to ‘cry like a girl’. I had no idea of the cumulative impact phrases like this have on men and boys. No idea about the horrendous male suicide rates (75 per week according to ONS figures for 2020). But that line in the film stood out because I think even then I thought, bit harsh, he’s just lost his wife. But we all laughed anyway.

I wonder if that film would be in any way different, if it was made today? I wonder if Emma Thompson would give Liam a copy of our book, How Frank Helped Hank, and say, “Let it out, have a cry, don’t keep it inside, It will help you feel better, you’ll see.” I wrote about an Instagram post by Scarlett Curtis a while back saying that Martine McCutcheon never was, isn’t now, never has been fat, as the character of Natalie was repeatedly referred to in the movie. Again I wonder if that would be any different if made today? I digress. In short, let’s stop saying ‘man up’ shall we? We want our boys to grow up to become men who aren’t afraid to have feelings and share them, rather than bottle it all up like a ‘real man’ would.

#changethemessage #boyscrytoo