Primary and Secondary Teachers, Art Therapists, Environmentalists and Parents; here is a poem set to paintings that follows the journey of a tear that drops into a teacup, eventually finding its way out to sea and then falling as rain over the same young boy and his beloved grandfather who cried the tear in the first place. Environmental and cyclical themes of life and death, decay and renewal, time and fear, and the gifts of one generation to another are all here in this book.

Author: Chris Townsend, Artwork: Chris Sage-Marsh, Published by Innovative Resources 2005, Includes teachers’ guide. Hardcover. 36pp.

Click to order online.

Art Therapists, Grief and Loss Counsellors, Social Workers and anyone wanting to explore grief from a creative perspective, this deeply moving, but ultimately uplifting visual and written journal follows the psychological and emotional journey of Carla van Laar after the death of her three-year-old son, Vaughn. The book includes reflective notes that provide practical suggestions for using the book in workshops and groups to create soulful conversations.

Published by Innovative Resources 2008. Author: Carla van Laar. Bi-fold softcover 215mm x 228mm, 60pp.

Click to order online.

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.

Click to order online.

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

Click to order online.

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.

Click to order online.

By Deb Western

Creative writing teachers, counsellors, educators and personal journal keepers: here is a wonderful tool for creative self-development and self-expression.

A wide range of topics, comments, thought-provoking ideas and illustrations are suitable for application across a wide range of journalling styles.

Published by Innovative Resources 2003, 32 laminated, full-colour gate-folded cards, 75 x 300mm, polypropylene box, 44-page booklet guaranteed to get the creative juices flowing! Author: Deb Western, Illustrator: Sivan Debeljakovic.

Click here to order online.

Here is a set of cards based on original photographs that will inspire exploration of the importance of purpose and belonging in our everyday lives. This tool is not based on a particular theology or philosophy and can be used by people from all backgrounds. Very simple, very clever!

Published by Innovative Resources 2004, 48 laminated, full-colour cards, 140 x 140 mm, full-colour polypropylene box, 28-page booklet. Booklet author: Russell Deal, Designer: Brent Seamer.

Click to order online.

Our new Bear cards have even more charm, express a greater range of emotions and lookeven more human! Perfect for social workers, psychologists, counsellors, teachers and chaplains. The Bears is grounded on the principle that talking about feelings is one of the cornerstones of emotional and mental health. This vibrant, high-quality, card set is a poignant, simple and clever catalyst for identifying and exploring emotions.The absence of text allows the cards to be used with clients of all ages, settings and situations. A novice can immediately imagine possible applications for The Bears. In the hands of an expert, these cards can enable conversations that lead to transformational insights.

Booklet author: Russell Deal, Illustrator: Ben Woods.

Click here to purchase The Bear Cards online.