Written and illustrated by Ildiko Hankoszky, the story follows Anton, a young deer boy, who journeys through the mysterious Blue Forest after a painful loss. Along the way, he meets unusual characters who help him recognise feelings such as sadness, anger, and hope.

Through imagination, storytelling, and gentle wisdom, the book supports children, parents, and teachers in talking about difficult emotions in a safe and meaningful way.

Beyond the Blue Forest can help:

• children experiencing grief or loss
• parents supporting children through difficult emotions
• teachers discussing emotions and empathy in the classroom
• therapists and counsellors working with children

Beyond the Blue Forest is a beautifully illustrated children’s book that helps children understand grief, emotions, and healing.

Imagine a world where doctors can examine not only the body, but also the heart and the soul.

In Beyond the Blue Forest, children discover a magical device called the Souloscope - a mysterious instrument that reveals emotions hidden deep inside the soul.

Through Anton’s journey in the Blue Forest, young readers learn to recognise feelings such as sadness, anger, confusion, and hope. The story gently guides children through the emotional landscape of grief and healing, helping them understand that every feeling has a place and a purpose.

This beautifully illustrated children’s book opens conversations about loss, emotions, and resilience, making it a meaningful resource for families, teachers, and professionals who support children’s emotional well-being.

Learn more about the story in the Picture Book page, explore the Activity Book companion, or download free worksheets on the Free Resources page!

Gentle, supportive resources inspired by Beyond the Blue Forest

for Emotional Learning, Grief Support & PSHE Activities

These gentle resources are inspired by the Beyond the Blue Forest children’s book, created to help families, teachers, and mental health professionals support children through big emotions, grief, change, and difficult life experiences.

Through creative activities, reflection, and storytelling, these materials help children understand their feelings, express emotions safely, and build emotional resilience.

Choose the section that best fits your needs:

These downloadable materials are suitable for home, classrooms, counselling settings, and emotional learning programmes.

Media & Resource Kit

Children’s Emotional Support

Classroom Emotional Learning Resources

Grief & Emotional Tools

Recommended by Psychologist Marietta Feketene Zsigo (GMBPsS)

“Any kind of loss is a very difficult, upsetting experience, and we instinctively try to keep ourselves away from it, but unfortunately, it isn’t possible. Even grownups find it challenging to deal with, and in this way, they can’t really help children either. It is time to demolish the taboo around grief and loss and face the fact that it is part of normal life.

Ildiko’s beautiful story will help both children and adults to understand and successfully go through the stages of grief. It serves as a guide, just like Carey does for Anton during his journey through the Blue Forest.

Beyond The Blue Forest is a very emotionally moving, touching tale about loss, with a comforting end about the hope of acceptance and the ability to remember.”

Marietta Feketene Zsigo

Psychologist, GMBPsS

The Beyond the Blue Forest children’s book has been recommended by psychologist Marietta Feketene Zsigo (GMBPs S) for its thoughtful and compassionate approach to helping children understand grief and emotional change.

The Beyond the Blue Forest picture book is a beautifully illustrated story that takes young readers on a magical journey of friendship, grief, and healing. Through the enchanting world of the Blue Forest, children follow Anton as he learns to understand his emotions and find hope again after loss.

With its whimsical characters and imaginative landscapes, the book gently introduces children to important themes such as resilience, empathy, emotional understanding, and the power of memories.

Paired with the Beyond the Blue Forest activity book, the experience becomes even more engaging. The activity book includes colouring pages, word searches, labyrinths, and puzzles inspired by the story and its characters, encouraging children to explore the themes of the book through creativity and play.

While the two books work beautifully together, the activity book can also be enjoyed on its own. With 48 pages of activities, it offers children a fun and meaningful way to develop creativity, problem-solving skills, and emotional reflection.

The books can be enjoyed at home, in classrooms, or in therapeutic settings where children are learning to talk about emotions.

The Beyond the Blue Forest Story and Activity Books

Parents looking for gentle ways to help children navigate loss, grief, and difficult emotions will find Beyond the Blue Forest and its companion activity book a meaningful resource.

Together, the story and activities encourage imagination, creativity, and emotional understanding, giving children a safe and engaging way to explore their feelings.

Whether shared on a quiet evening, during classroom reflection, or on a rainy afternoon, these books invite young readers into a magical world where healing, friendship, and hope grow in the Blue Forest.

A Story and Activity Experience for Children

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Disclaimer:
These books are intended as a supportive tool for exploring emotions and coping with loss, but they are not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice. If you or someone you know is struggling with grief or emotional distress, please seek the guidance of a licensed mental health professional.