“As a mum and a paediatric nurse, I see every day how confusing big emotions can be for young children.”
Belfast mum and paediatric nurse Edelle Green, pictured with her daughter Callie
Meet Edelle Green, a Belfast mum and paediatric nurse helping young children and their families better understand big emotions.
Her new book, ‘It’s OK to be Sad’, is a heart-warming story that follows Little Bear, who returns home after a fun-filled day but still feels unexpectedly low.
Through a gentle and relatable narrative, the book helps children make sense of confusing feelings and reassures them that it is normal not to feel happy all the time.
READ MORE: Co Down paediatric nurse honoured for courageous sea rescue of five siblingsREAD MORE: ‘I donated stem cells and offered a total stranger a second chance at life’
The character of Little Bear was first brought to life through an initial illustration created by her husband, helping to inspire the visual world of the story.
Aimed at children aged four to seven, the book is designed to be enjoyed at home or used as a practical classroom resource to support early conversations around emotions, helping them build confidence in understanding and managing how they feel.
Drawing on author Edelle’s professional experience in children’s mental health, alongside her role as a mother of two, the story speaks directly to families navigating the everyday challenges of emotional well-being.
Speaking about the book, Edelle said: “As a mum and a paediatric nurse, I see every day how confusing big emotions can be for young children. Through my work in children’s mental health, I know how important it is to give children the language and confidence to talk about how they feel from an early age.”
Edelle added: “I wanted to create a simple, reassuring story that helps children understand it is completely normal not to feel happy all the time, and to empower them with the language and reassurance they need to process overwhelming emotions, while supporting parents and carers to guide those important conversations.”
The book has also been shortlisted for a Golden Wizard Book Prize 2026, in the ‘Best Picture Book’ category across the 3–5 and 6–10 age categories.
Edelle is currently completing a master’s degree in Advanced Professional Nursing Practice and is passionate about improving children’s mental health. She hopes to continue writing books that support children’s emotional well-being.
‘It’s OK to be Sad’ is now available online through major booksellers.
To ensure you don’t miss out on all the latest from Belfast Live, be sure to make us your preferred source on Google.
