Teachers, Chaplains, School Counsellors, Welfare Officers and Social Workers, here is a book that every school library should not be without! The big architect wanted only perfect stones for the new wall. All the stones put their best faces forward. But there was one stone that didn’t seem to fit. He was the “Wrong Stone” and all the others were laughing at him. Will it be the crusher for him? Exquisite full-colour illustrations bring this evocative and relevant story alive.

Author: Russell Deal. Published by Innovative Resources 2002 (now into 2nd ed.) Softcover, 280 x 210mm, 32pp.

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They are designed to open up conversations about meaning, significance, thoughts, feelings and experiences. Some speak of difficulty and challenge; some speak of possibilities and dreams.

Published by Innovative Resources 2007. Booklet authors: Linda Espie & Russell Deal, Designer: Brad Welsh. 100 laminated, full-colour cards, 105 x 105mm, full-colour tin. 48-page booklet.

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Author: Mundy Fox. Published by Innovative Resources 2005. 26 Full-colour, laminated cards 160mm x 160mm with 28-page booklet presented in a full-colour polypropylene box. Booklet author: Russell Deal, Illustrator: Katie Jardine.

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Firstly, that organisations vary tremendously in a wide variety of ways! And at the same time, the most successful, creative and dynamic of them also have many strengths in common. This conversation-building card set suggests 28 domains that might be seen as key areas for assessing and building strengths in any organisation. Each domain has four suggested indicators and a simple measurement scale that can be used to consider how your organisation shapes up.

This is an engaging, gently provocative tool created in the spirit of Appreciative Inquiry and other strengths-based approaches that provides non-prescriptive windows into ways we can assess our organisations for strengths rather than deficits.

28 full-colour cards, 140 x 140mm, polypropylene box with a 30-page booklet. Booklet author: Karen Vallence, Russell Deal, Karen Masman. Illustrator and designer: Robyn Spicer.

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A symbol is a metaphor–something that means something else. Metaphors and symbols work as short cuts–cosmic ‘worm holes’ to understanding and feelings. Symbols is a set of simple, free-hand line drawings of everyday objects that can suggest layers of meaning to the observer. Therapists who work with those struggling with grief and loss suggested this particular set of symbols. They have resonance with people grappling with the big questions in life.

Published by Innovative Resources. 100 laminated, full-colour cards 105mm x 105mm. Full colour tin, 48 page booklet. Booklet authors: Linda Espie & Russell Deal, Designer: Brad Welsh.

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Here are 80 full-colour storytelling prompts for people of all ages. From classrooms to discussion groups; a family game to a therapeutic tool. Perfect for anyone who works with people who have a story to tell. Whatever the application, Storycatching provides opportunities to reflect upon our thoughts, feelings, memories and attitudes to life.

Published by Innovative Resources 2008, 80 full-colour, laminated cards 80mm x 110mm, 2-part cardboard box, 24-page booklet. Author: John Holton, Illustrator: Ray Bowler

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This resource acknowledges that pain and suffering (such as grief, loneliness, depression, loss and violence) often need to be ’storied’ before resolution is possible.

Published by Innovative Resources 2002, new ed: 2005. Booklet authors: Russell Deal, Fiona Gardner & John Holton. Artist: Carolyn Marrone. Designer: Tim Lane,evocative water-colour images on cards 210 x 150mm. Full-colour cardboard box, 36-page booklet.

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Reflexions is a set of cards that use contemporary street and techno style photo collage and graphics to deepen conversations on the issues that concern young people. A single word accompanied by graphics guide participants to identify and name reactions to their circumstances. Especially important for boys struggling to express their emotions.

Published by Innovative Resources 2001, Booklet author: Russell Deal, Designer & photographer: Tim Lane, 32 laminated, full-colour cards, 210 x 148mm, polypropylene box, 24-page booklet.

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These 75 original, diverse and eclectic photographs offer opportunities for people of all ages to reflect on their experiences. Here is a powerful conversation – stimulant for oiling the juice of imagination, memory and emotions.

Some of these full – colour images are poignant, some are heart – warming and others are tinged with humour. This highly interpretive tool can open up conversations, storytelling and creative writing about feelings, goals, and points of view.

Published by Innovative Resources 2007, 75 laminated, full – colour cards, 170 x 125mm, full – colour polypropylene box, 48 – page booklet. Booklet author: Russell Deal, Designer: Brent Seamer.

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Published by Innovative Resources 2004. Author: Selina Byrne, Designer: Tim Lane 30 laminated, full-colour cards, 105 x 65mm, clear polypropylene box folds back to create a stand, 32-page booklet.

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