About Us
Juvenis Books was born from a simple but powerful belief: every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and safe.
The idea began in 2017, when co-founder Chrissie Hadfield looked at her young children and questioned how children were expected to grow up kind, compassionate, and confident in a world that often felt divided. Wanting to offer something better, she began writing stories that explored real-life challenges in gentle, engaging, and age-appropriate ways. Her first manuscript, Bobby the Cat, marked the beginning of a storytelling journey rooted not just in imagination, but in empathy, understanding, and representation.
What started as writing soon grew into something much bigger. Chrissie went on to open a youth centre—where she remains Founder and Chair—study psychology at university, and build a career supporting children with complex needs in residential care. Through this work, she saw first-hand how powerful the right stories and resources can be for children who feel different, misunderstood, or unheard.
Along the way, Chrissie met Anouska Wardale, a fellow mother whose son, Reggie, became one of the youngest heart transplant recipients in the UK. Inspired by Reggie’s journey, Anouska founded Reggie’s Cause to raise awareness of organ donation and support families facing medical uncertainty. United by lived experience, professional knowledge, and a shared determination to make a difference, Chrissie and Anouska came together to create Juvenis Books.
Publishing Stories That Matter
At the heart of Juvenis Books is a desire to help people tell their stories.
We actively support new and emerging authors, particularly those writing children’s books, self-help resources, and lived-experience stories, by offering a more accessible route into publishing—without the overwhelming costs and barriers often found in traditional publishing.
Juvenis Books is a space where writers can develop meaningful work that supports children, families, and individuals navigating real-life challenges. Whether it’s a story that helps a child understand emotions, a self-help resource that supports wellbeing, or a book shaped by lived experience, we believe these voices deserve to be heard.
Through guidance, collaboration, and creative workshops, we aim to make the publishing process feel supportive, transparent, and empowering, helping authors bring their ideas to life with confidence.
Juvenis Books is more than a place to buy books — it is a space to pause, connect, and create.
Our shop is intentionally designed as a calm, welcoming environment where anyone is free to simply come in and sit quietly with a book, with no obligation to buy anything. Whether you need a peaceful moment, a safe place to read, or somewhere to feel comfortable and unhurried, you are always welcome.
Families are invited to spend time together here. Parents and carers can enjoy a brew and a moment to relax, while children explore creativity through crafting, reading, and gentle activities. The space is designed to be inclusive and accessible, particularly for children and young people who are neurodivergent, anxious, or easily overwhelmed.
Juvenis Books is a safe space for readers, makers, and creators of all ages—a place where stories are shared, imaginations are encouraged, and creativity is celebrated in all its forms. Whether you come to read, write, craft, learn, or simply be, you are welcome exactly as you are.
At our core, we believe that community, creativity, and kindness belong together. Juvenis Books exists to offer space—not pressure—and to remind people that sometimes the most meaningful moments begin when we slow down.