New book 'Khanyisa and the Cloud' helps parents support kids with anxiety

CapeTalk's Lester Kiewit speaks to Melisa Ndlovu, author of the children’s book 'Khanyisa and the Cloud'.

Listen below:

While depression and anxiety in adults can often be easy to identify, it can be more challenging to do so in children.

For younger people, it can be hard to make sense of their emotions.

But a new book, written by chartered accountant (and mom of two) Melissa Ndlovu, seeks to change that.

'Khanyisa and the Cloud' is intended to be used as an aid to help parents and caregivers to navigate some important conversations with children in their care. 

The illustrated book opens the door to childhood emotions, offering young readers a safe space to explore feelings of sadness, worry, and hope.

ALSO READ: Anxiety and depression in kids: What parents need to know

"The heart behind it is... to create books that help parents and the children in their care have open, meaningful and age-appropriate conversations about important topics."

- Melisa Ndlovu, Author - Khanyisa and the Cloud

"I very much want these books to be books that caregivers and children read together."

- Melisa Ndlovu, Author - Khanyisa and the Cloud

"I consulted a clinical psychologist when I wrote the book. I wanted to keep the book as factual as possible in terms of what parents could expect in the process if they were to intervene in their child, maybe having prolonged periods of sadness."

- Melisa Ndlovu, Author - Khanyisa and the Cloud

Kanyisa and the Cloud is available via Amazon and at piquingpatter.co.za.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.