Tippy Moffle’s Mirror

Kind and accessible

A beautifully hand-colored tale to teach children that just because of our family circumstances, we are still loved. We never lose our colors (emotions). Perfect for foster parent, DHS representative, counselors, and teachers.

Tippy Moffle's Mirror is a beautifully written and illustrated book which tells of Tippy Moffle whose Tummy Mummy is unable to look after her so she goes to live with New Mummy Moffle and all the emotions Tippy feels towards her Tummy Mummy and then her adoption. It is written in a way that young children will understand and as a Mum to a 4 year adopted son I can understand New Mummy Moffles feeling too. The phrases used such as Tummy Mummy are the same phrases I use with my son and he loved hearing about Tippy as, even though he is a little young to understand everything in both his and Tippy's situations, he could relate to the fact that he and Tippy are similar. It is a lovely story for all children but especially adopted children who can relate to the feelings.

This is a beautiful story, despite being really really sad. It talks about a little moffle that is taken away from her mummy, and placed with a new mummy moffle, and how she then comes out of her shell and becomes more like herself. This is all explained simply through colours which is very efficient and very effective.

This is a delightful book and will be a definite asset to parents and professionals alike supporting children with difficult early experiences. The lovely illustrations really grab the imagination, introducing us to Moffle characters and indirectly appealing to a child's interest. The central theme of feelings being reflected in the colourful fur is an inspired way to normalise integration and the patchwork of life, so helpful to children who are heavily defended and scared of what feelings will do. The references to early trauma are touching, sensitively handled and clear, conveying the poignant image of a child trying hard to be loved and the obscuring dirt works really well as a metaphor for locked away feelings. The book very effectively depicts the (sometimes overlooked) struggle that traumatised children can have in adjusting to being seen/ known/ supported/ nurtured and allowing beliefs about self and others and relational patterns to shift. The importance of time and patience as healers is a helpful inclusion and the story ends with a touching affirmation and acceptance of multi-colouredness as Tippy Moffle starts to grow and develop her fuller self. A great read!