A mother’s heartfelt mission to help children bring their emotions to Jesus.
A Christian children's book on emotions
In the heart of every Catholic mother is the desire to lead her children to Christ. Melissa Shiberras, an Australian Catholic mother, speech pathologist, and now author, has taken this mission to heart in her debut children’s picture book, Next to Me.
Written as a tender conversation between a child and Jesus, Next to Me helps little ones navigate their emotions through the comforting presence of Christ.
In a world where secular books on emotional intelligence abound, Shiberras recognised a gap. There is a lack of resources that not only teach children to name their feelings, but also to bring them to Jesus in prayer.
Melissa’s journey to writing was shaped by her own experiences of faith and motherhood. Formerly a youth minister in the Sandhurst Diocese, she has long been passionate about helping others grow in intimacy with Christ. However, it was the birth of her first child that revealed to her the need for books that integrate faith into the ordinary moments of childhood.
“Whether it be a positive or challenging emotion, Jesus is with us each and every day,” Melissa shares. Her book gently guides children, and their parents, to turn to Him in all things.
A powerful teaching tool
Melissa generously gifted her book to me, and my children fondly refer to it as ‘the Jesus book.’ I can personally attest that this book has helped my young children learn about emotions.
One night, at family dinner, I shared with my husband how I was feeling nervous about something. From across the table, my two year old piped up “are you nervous mummy…? The boy in the book was nervous”. Shocked and pleased, I enquired “And what did he do?” “He had Jesus to make him feel better,” my son replied. A simple moment at dinnertime, the mention of an emotion, and my two year old was prompting me to go to Jesus!
A beautiful resource
Illustrated in soft watercolors, Next to Me has received praise from Catholic leaders, including Matt Fradd, Sr. Mary Sarah OP, and Andy Mullins. It is now being used for parish initiatives, with bulk orders being distributed in Baptismal and sacramental preparation programs.
Melissa’s dream is to see Next to Me in schools, catechesis programs, and homes across Australia and beyond. She prays that “those who receive this book are enriched with the desire to open their hearts, minds, and souls to Jesus.”
For Catholic mothers seeking to nurture their children’s faith in the everyday, Next to Me is a gift of love, a gentle reminder that no matter what they feel, Jesus is always near.
Available through Parousia Media
You can purchase Next to Me through Parousia Media. Melissa has an upcoming book You are Worthy, which is due to be released before Mother’s Day this year.
Author note: When I was prompted to write this book [You are Worthy], I no longer felt worthy to be called ‘mum’… I was in despair. I felt Mother Mary give me a hug and tell me, “It’s going to be okay, you are worthy.” The presence and words of Mother Mary touched me significantly and the words [for You are Worthy] flooded onto the paper.
Beck is a wife and mother based in Albury, NSW. She is a Catholic convert with a heart for women, making traditions, and living community life. Beck loves organising, flowers, brunch and beautiful spaces. Beck is the Co-Founder of Litany of the Home, and the proud owner of way too many baskets.
