Why am I passionate about this?

My name is Jess, and I'm a writer, designer, and illustrator based in South Yorkshire, UK. I have always found navigating my feelings and emotions tricky, even from a very young age. Labeled as 'too sensitive,' I would often find that I felt and reacted to things more deeply than others did. In my mid 20s I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety and began going to therapy, this is where I leant a wealth of things about myself and began to find ways to cope and better deal with how I travelled through life. 


I wrote...

Every Day Matters 2025 Pocket Diary: A Year of Inspiration for the Mind, Body and Spirit

By Jess Rachel Sharp,

Book cover of Every Day Matters 2025 Pocket Diary: A Year of Inspiration for the Mind, Body and Spirit

What is my book about?

My book is a bright, colorful diary that focuses on your well-being whilst also being a practical diary for day-to-day…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

The books I picked & why

Book cover of The Little Book of Calm for New Mums: Grounding words for the highs, the lows and the moments in between

Jess Rachel Sharp Why did I love this book?

Becoming a Mum was one of the biggest changes and challenges I have ever faced. The constant mixture of emotions, the worries, the guilt, it can feel incredibly overwhelming, and it all makes its mark.

This book is a gentle antidote to all those feelings. It offers helpful insight and advice to a wide and varied list of emotions, and it’s helpfully categorized so you can find the one you need quickly. A book that has offered me a lot of comfort (and still does) in amongst the parenting fog.

By Anna Mathur,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Little Book of Calm for New Mums as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'A beautiful and informative companion of a book... Her compassion and guidance for a mother's mental health is invaluable' Giovanna Fletcher

'An essential read for new mums' Fearne Cotton
____________________________

The Little Book of Calm for New Mums will share advice and support on issues that new mothers face, from A for Anger, to I for Insomnia, providing an empowering pep talk for those days when new mothers need it most.

Psychotherapist and mother of three, Anna Mathur, will support readers through the rollercoaster of feelings that come with being a new mum and provide expert advice based on her…


Book cover of Maternal Journal: A creative guide to journaling through pregnancy, birth and beyond

Jess Rachel Sharp Why did I love this book?

This is another book for navigating motherhood but in a creative way. It is filled with creative journal activities and prompts to help process all sorts of thoughts and feelings around motherhood.

As a creative person, I find the prompts and this kind of journalling incredibly therapeutic, and I highly recommend this book to any mother who needs a creative outlet.

By Laura Godfrey-Isaacs, Samantha McGowan,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Maternal Journal as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Maternal Journal is filled to the brim with ideas, support and inspiration to create your very own journal through your pregnancy, birth and parenthood. This easy-to-use and beautifully illustrated book will help you explore your creative voice and develop a regular journaling practice using artistic tools and techniques that fit in with everyday parenting.

Inside, you will find more than 80 unique guided journal exercises created by leading artists, midwives, doulas and therapists to boost your creativity and wellbeing and help you reflect during this transformational stage of your life.

Write a list poem with poet Hollie McNish, build a…


Book cover of Emotion Full: A Guide to Self-Care for Your Mental Health and Emotions

Jess Rachel Sharp Why did I love this book?

Sometimes, navigating mental health and emotions can be a confusing and lonely place. This book is an absolute gem in making it all make sense and validating all those emotions you may be feeling.

A particular reason why I liked this book was that my Mum read it, too, and found it a wonderful and insightful read. She herself has never really struggled with her mental health, but I have, and this allowed her to understand how I may have been feeling a little better.

By Lauren Woods,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Emotion Full as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Experience the Therapeutic Benefits of Emotional Well-Being

"A practical handbook for handling our honest emotions-the messengers of our inner self"-Soolooka, Author of I Believe in Me

Learn to value your own feelings and listen to your inner needs. Emotionfull is a collection of tips, reminders, and advice from a mental illness and low self-esteem survivor.

Focus on your emotional well-being. We can get overwhelmed by our own emotions. Though there's nothing wrong with what we're feeling, we all struggle with how best to face stress, anxiety, sadness, and even excitement sometimes. Emotionfull helps us process difficult emotions, one by one,…


Book cover of The Red Tree

Jess Rachel Sharp Why did I love this book?

This is a gorgeous picture book that depicts living with depression so beautifully. Whilst there is some text it’s the pictures that really do the story telling.

It’s beautiful illustrations manage to get across how dark, all encompassing and lonely it can feel when living with depression but offers a sweet hopeful ending that is a comfort to read. I have always loved this book and it will forever be one of my favourites.

By Shaun Tan,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked The Red Tree as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Awakening one day to a dark and somber mood, a little girl faces a day where everything goes very badly, and seeks hope amid her sadness.


Book cover of Gloomy Baboony: It's okay to feel sad

Jess Rachel Sharp Why did I love this book?

Another book that tackles the issues of feeling sad but makes it accessible for 2-5 year olds. I have read this countless times with my 3-year-old daughter, and she absolutely loves it. A wonderful book with superb illustrations that opens a door to conversations around emotions with little ones and allows them to understand that sometimes we do and will feel sad—and that’s okay!

We love this book so much that now, when my daughter is feeling sad, we say she’s a gloomy baboony and it helps her feel validated and safe while sitting in her sadness.

By Lizzie Simpson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Gloomy Baboony as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


Explore my book 😀

Every Day Matters 2025 Pocket Diary: A Year of Inspiration for the Mind, Body and Spirit

By Jess Rachel Sharp,

Book cover of Every Day Matters 2025 Pocket Diary: A Year of Inspiration for the Mind, Body and Spirit

What is my book about?

My book is a bright, colorful diary that focuses on your well-being whilst also being a practical diary for day-to-day life. 

Each month has a different theme and each week a different way of approaching and exploring it. It allows a seed of inspiration and awareness not just to be planted but also to grow substantially so that positive action can become an integral part of daily life. Each week-to-view spread features an inspiring quote that encourages reflection on the month’s theme and an exercise to further your overall well-being.

Book cover of The Little Book of Calm for New Mums: Grounding words for the highs, the lows and the moments in between
Book cover of Maternal Journal: A creative guide to journaling through pregnancy, birth and beyond
Book cover of Emotion Full: A Guide to Self-Care for Your Mental Health and Emotions

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,355

readers submitted
so far, will you?

You might also like...

The Curious Reader's Field Guide to Nonfiction

By Anne Janzer,

Book cover of The Curious Reader's Field Guide to Nonfiction

Anne Janzer

New book alert!

What is my book about?

So many books, so little time! If you're a nonfiction fan, this field guide may help you make better choices about what to read.

Just like a field guide helps you identify plants or birds, this book helps you navigate the rich world of nonfiction. You’ll uncover how your favorite authors break down complex topics, keep you hooked, and forge those deep, personal connections that make their work unforgettable.

Practice spotting techniques "in the wild" and track your responses in the Field Notes. Record your own preferences and favorites in the Field Observations. With this guide by your side, you'll…

The Curious Reader's Field Guide to Nonfiction

By Anne Janzer,

What is this book about?

Attention nonfiction book lovers, this guide is for you!

If your nightstand is stacked with histories or essays, how-to guides or science books, The Curious Reader’s Field Guide to Nonfiction is going to be your new favorite companion.

Just like a field guide helps you identify plants or birds, this book helps you navigate the rich world of nonfiction. You’ll uncover how your favorite authors break down complex topics, keep you hooked, and forge those deep, personal connections that make their work unforgettable.

More than just a guide—a reading companion

This isn’t just a book you flip through—it’s an interactive…


Topics
Genres
  • Coming soon!

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in emotions, mental health, and self esteem?

Emotions 167 books
Mental Health 197 books
Self Esteem 111 books