1st Edition
Mia Belongs Here: A Story About Family, Home and a Sense of Belonging
For the most effective use, this book should be purchased alongside School is Where We All Belong and the accompanying activity book, Conceptual PlayWorlds for Belonging. The books can be purchased individually or together as a set, Building Conceptual PlayWorlds for Belonging: Stories and Activities to Build a Sense of Belonging.
Mia Belongs Here is a beautifully illustrated story book introducing five characters: Mia, Ying, Zainab, Dom and Willow. Each character shows how they know they belong through their different senses, be it hearing dogs charging down the hallway, smelling a sister’s incense candles or tasting fresh tomatoes from the garden.
With its engaging illustrations and narrative, children are encouraged to mindfully think of the sounds, smells, tastes, sights and sensations that make them feel like they belong, sharing the message that belonging is largely experiential and special to each person.
Belonging is a fundamental building block in the wellbeing of children. In a world of increasing rates of loneliness, disconnection and social isolation, opportunities to encourage a feeling of belonging in children have never been more vital. This story provides a unique opportunity for children to practice mindfulness, to pause and fully engage with the place and moment they’re in. By focusing on their senses during the fun, interactive moments, this book promotes a greater sense of belonging in children.
Mia Belongs Here
Notes
About the Contributors
Biography
Kelly-Ann Allen is an Associate Professor and Educational and Developmental Psychologist at Monash University and an Honorary Principal Fellow at the Centre for Wellbeing Science at the University of Melbourne. Kelly-Ann is renowned for her impactful research on belonging, particularly in educational settings, which has earned her recognition as one of Australia's top researchers.Kelly-Ann is dedicated to translating her extensive research into practical applications to benefit educators, students, and broader communities. Her work extends beyond academia, aiming to enhance belonging across populations globally.
Michael Wagner is the Melbourne-based author of more than 90 books for children including the much-loved, 20 book, Maxx Rumble series, the CBCA Honor book Dirt by Sea and Notable books Why I Love Footy, Why I Love Summer and Bear Make Den and the YABBA, KOALA and KROC Awards shortlisted, So Wrong series. Before becoming an author, Michael worked for ten years as radio broadcaster with the ABC, wrote and produced award-winning animation for television, and penned everything from advertising copy to songs and comedy.
Kathryn Kallady is an Educational and Developmental Psychologist. She has worked predominantly with children and their families between the ages of 2-18 years of age. She has extensive experience working with schools in the private and public sectors as well as public health settings. She has also worked in a private practice confident in neurodevelopmental assessment and therapy. She has worked at Monash University in a supervisory and teaching capacity. Apart from psychology, Kathryn loves illustration and graphic design. She has provided works for academic texts and resources. She is best known for providing the single artwork for Gotye’s international hit song, “Somebody that I Used to Know”.
