Making Sense Books
Books that help children understand big feelings
What are Making Sense Books?
Nevenka creates books that help children make sense of their inner world.
Through gentle, age-appropriate storytelling, these books support children to understand big feelings, navigate anxiety, build body confidence, and recognise emotional safety.
They are written to open conversations, not force them, and to remind children that their feelings make sense.
Current Books
A heartwarming story about self-love, confidence and celebrating what makes us unique.
Young Hippo doesn't feel beautiful - and starts to believe that maybe she's just not good enough. But as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, she realizes that we all have strengths and that beauty is much deeper than what is reflected back to us.
Through gentle words and vibrant illustrations, The Hippo Who Found True Beauty empowers children to embrace their bodies, value their uniqueness, and celebrate the beauty that lives within.
Embarking on a transformative journey, a little turtle discovers that fear is a universal companion, present in the hearts of all of us, including the brave.
By learning strategies to calm the body, the turtle focuses on making choices that give it meaning and purpose. Ultimately real strength emerges when we courageously face our fears.
"A helpful reminder that fear is felt by all, even those who look the bravest. This book has some amazing examples to help push through the fear and to teach our little ones how to live life to the fullest!"
Cleo, Indie Book Reviewer
Why These Stories Matter
Children experience complex emotions long before they have the words to explain them.
When feelings are ignored, rushed, or dismissed, children can learn to doubt themselves or carry things alone. Stories can offer a safer way for creating understanding, language, and reassurance without pressure.
Making Sense books are designed to support emotional understanding while honouring children’s natural sensitivity, curiosity, and strengths.
About Making Sense Books
Making Sense Books are created by Nevenka Alempijevic, a mental health professional and parent, with a deep belief that children deserve honest, compassionate language for their inner experiences.
These stories are informed by years of working with children and families, and by the understanding that emotional literacy is not about fixing feelings — it’s about making space for them.
At the heart of Making Sense Books is a simple idea: when children understand what they feel, they feel less alone.
Who These Books Are For
• Parents and caregivers wanting to support emotional wellbeing
• Children who feel deeply, worry often, or compare themselves to others
• Families seeking gentle ways to talk about challenging topics
• Schools, counsellors, and professionals supporting children’s development