Taya the Tortoise: A Trauma-Informed Activity Book Helping Children Feel Safe, Seen, and Understood
Supporting children who bottle things up, retreat, or disconnect
At PTSD UK, we often talk about how trauma doesn’t always look the way people expect.
Some children express distress outwardly.
But others go quiet.
They withdraw.
They disconnect.
They “cope” by becoming smaller, quieter, and harder to reach.
That’s why we’re so proud to be working in partnership with the team behind Taya the Tortoise Activity Book for Children who Bottle Up, Retreat or Disconnect – a powerful, trauma-informed resource created by clinical psychologist Karen Treisman.
Dr Treisman is a highly respected specialist in childhood trauma, known for creating creative, evidence-informed resources that help children explore and express their emotions safely.
You can receive 20% off the book by using the code PTSDUK20 at checkout at Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Meet Taya
Taya is a tortoise who has experienced difficult things.
Like many children affected by trauma, she copes by:
- retreating into herself
- disconnecting from others
- keeping her feelings locked away
On the outside, she may appear “fine” – but inside, she feels alone, overwhelmed, and unsure how to let others in.
This reflects something we see every day in children affected by trauma, including those living with PTSD and C-PTSD: the quiet struggle that often goes unnoticed.
Why this book matters for children affected by trauma
Taya the Tortoise is not just a storybook – it’s a trauma-informed activity book designed specifically for children aged 5–10, combining storytelling with practical tools and creative exercises.
It was created for children who:
- bottle up their feelings
- shut down emotionally
- dissociate or “switch off”
- struggle to express what’s going on inside
These are often the children who are missed or misunderstood, because their distress isn’t loud or disruptive.
In fact, children who internalise their distress are often the least likely to receive support – simply because their struggles are harder to see.
A trauma-informed approach that really makes a difference
What makes this book so powerful is that it’s grounded in trauma-informed theory and real clinical practice.
It helps children to:
- understand their feelings
- build trust and connection
- safely express emotions
- begin to feel less alone
All through gentle storytelling and engaging, child-friendly activities.
The book also includes:
- worksheets and creative exercises
- grounding and sensory activities
- guidance for parents, carers, and professionals
This makes it not just a book – but a practical, trauma-informed support tool for connection and emotional understanding.
What you’ll find inside
Throughout the book, children are gently guided through:
- Understanding overwhelm: Helping children recognise when things feel “too much”
- The protective shell: Exploring why they might withdraw or shut down — and why that makes sense
- Creative expression: Activities that allow children to express feelings without needing the “right words”
- Safe connection: Encouraging trust, relationships, and small steps back towards others
These kinds of small, gentle steps are often where confidence and connection begin to rebuild.
Supporting the adults around the child
One of the most important aspects of this book is that it doesn’t just support children – it also supports the adults around them.
Because often, the hardest part is not knowing:
- how to reach a child who has shut down
- how to respond without overwhelming them
- how to build trust when a child feels unsafe
And in those moments, it’s not about saying the “right thing” – it’s about being consistent, calm, and safe.
This book helps bridge that gap, offering guidance for:
- parents and carers
- teachers and school staff
- therapists and support workers
Why this matters so much
Children who retreat or disconnect are often described as “quiet”, “fine” and “no trouble”. But in reality, they may be overwhelmed, frightened or carrying experiences they don’t yet understand.
And without the right support, they can easily be overlooked.
Taya the Tortoise shines a light on these children – and gently reminds us: Just because a child is quiet, it doesn’t mean they’re okay.
Our partnership
At PTSD UK, we are committed to improving understanding and support for people affected by PTSD and C-PTSD – at every age.
Because of this partnership, we’re delighted to be able to offer our community something extra.
You can receive 20% off the book by using the code PTSDUK20 at checkout at Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
We hope this helps make this valuable resource more accessible to the families, carers, and professionals who need it most.
Because every child deserves to feel safe, understood, and not alone.
Final thoughts
There is no quick fix for trauma.
But there are tools that can help.
A story that reflects a child’s experience.
An activity that helps them express a feeling.
A moment of connection with a trusted adult.
If you support a child who tends to withdraw, shut down, or keep everything inside, Taya the Tortoise could be a gentle and meaningful place to start.
Find out more about the book here
Further support from PTSD UK:
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Treatments for PTSD
It is possible for PTSD to be successfully treated many years after the traumatic event occurred, which means it is never too late to seek help. For some, the first step may be watchful waiting, then exploring therapeutic options such as individual or group therapy – but the main treatment options in the UK are psychological treatments such as Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprogramming (EMDR) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Traumatic events can be very difficult to come to terms with, but confronting and understanding your feelings and seeking professional help is often the only way of effectively treating PTSD. You can find out more in the links below, or here.