About Juvenis Books
Juvenis Books was born from a simple but powerful vision: to create a world where every child feels seen, valued, and safe. In 2017, Co-founder Chrissie Hadfield looked at her young children and wondered how kids were supposed to grow up kind and compassionate in a world that often felt divided. She began writing stories that explored real-life challenges in approachable, engaging ways — starting with her first manuscript, Bobby the Cat. That story, like many to come, was about more than entertainment; it was about teaching empathy and helping children see themselves reflected in the pages.
Chrissie’s journey expanded beyond writing. She went on to open a youth centre as still remains the founder and chair, study psychology at university, and build a career in children’s residential care supporting those with complex needs. Along the way, she met Co-founder, Anouska Wardale — a 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 provide support to families facing similar challenges. Together, Chrissie and Anouska combined their lived experience, professional knowledge, and determination to launch Juvenis Books.
Today, Juvenis Books is so much more than a bookshop. It’s a safe space where children who are vulnerable, neurodivergent, or living with medical complexities can find themselves in stories. It’s a hub for families and educators seeking inclusive resources — from children’s books and journals to Regemo emotional regulation boxes and resource packs. With characters like Barnaby the Bee and Reggie the T-Rex (guided by his imaginary friend Juno the Axolotl), every story is rooted in real life and designed to empower children with confidence, resilience, and self-understanding. At Juvenis Books, we stand for celebrating neurodiversity, creating safe spaces for learning, and championing every child’s potential. Together, we can help every child feel accepted, inspired, and ready to thrive in a kinder world.
- Meet Our Team -
Anouska Wardale
Chrissie Hadfield
- Collaborating Artists & Authors -
We collaborate with talented authors and illustrators who share our vision and values. Together, we bring unique and captivating stories and resources to life, ensuring that every child can find representation and inspiration within our pages.
For Anouska, Juvenis Books is deeply personal. Her son Reggie’s courageous journey through heart failure and transplant not only inspired one of our most loved characters, Reggie the T-Rex, but also ignited her passion for supporting families in crisis. Through founding Reggie’s Cause, Anouska has campaigned tirelessly for organ donation awareness and resources for families living through medical challenges. At Juvenis Books, she channels that same passion into creating inclusive stories and emotional regulation tools that reflect real children’s lives. Her unwavering belief is that no child — or parent — should ever feel alone, and that every story has the power to bring comfort, courage, and connection.
Chrissie has always believed in the power of storytelling to make the world a better place. What began as a single manuscript written at her kitchen table has grown into a mission to transform the way children learn about kindness, resilience, and self-expression. With a background in psychology, years of experience in children’s residential care, and her ongoing role running a youth centre, Chrissie brings both professional expertise and lived compassion to Juvenis Books. Her drive is simple: to create resources that give children the tools she wishes every child had — stories, safe spaces, and hope for a brighter future.
