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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Primary and Pre-School Teachers, Early Childhood Workers, Psychologists and Parents: here are solution-focused approaches adapted especially for children. This radical book is based on the notion that practically all problems can be seen as skills that need to be developed. The book is buzzing with ideas, stories and suggestions to inspire adults and invite children to become active participants in skill-building and solution-finding.

Author: Ben Furman. First published by Innovative Resources in Australia 2004. Softcover, 165 x 245mm, 144pp.

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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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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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Delightful watercolour illustrations are the main aspect of these minimalist dual language cards (English/Spanish).

Published by Innovative Resources in association with Maggie Escartin 2008. 65mm x 95mm. 26 full-colour cards in transparent polypropylene pack.

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A great bunch of 50 cartoon koala characters for talking about feelings. Each circle-shaped card brings us up close and personal with a very expressive koala face. Which koala are you today? The mad, glad or just plain sad one? The shy or frightened one? There are no words, so Koalas are fantastic for young children and people with literacy challenges.

Booklet author: Russell Deal, Illustrator and designer: Mat Jones. Published by Innovative Resources, 2005, 50 cards in full-colour tin.

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Growing Well cards are built around key statements that research has shown are important indicators of mental health and balance. Accompanying each statement is a ’scale’ using simple illustrations of a seed growing into a tree. A user checks the box that is relevant to them – every day or perhaps every week. In this way the scale can be used to notice change and describe growth–even when words seem inadequate.

Published by Innovative Resources 2006, 50 laminated, full-colour, Write-on/Wipe-off cards, 150 x 150mm, 32-page booklet. All presented in a full-colour polypropylene box. Also available: Growing Well full-colour checklist paper-based pads.

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