Horsforth Head’s Roxie Fawn Book: Wellbeing Triumph

Key Points

• Anna Coulson, headteacher at The Froebelian School in Horsforth for the past three years, has published her first children’s book titled Roxie the Little Fawn.
• The book centres on themes of emotional wellbeing, confidence, and kindness, inspired by Mrs Coulson’s over 20 years of experience working with young people.
• It tells the story of a shy fawn who discovers her unique gift of helping others feel calm, brave, and able to believe in themselves.
• The launch event took place at Stainsby Grange Equestrian Complex near Middlesbrough, attended by leading figures from education, wellbeing, and business sectors.
• The event included live readings and speeches focused on the book’s themes of confidence and kindness among young people.
• Mrs Coulson described the book as a personal project developed over many years alongside her headteacher role, aimed at supporting children’s emotional wellbeing, confidence, and self-belief.
• The book has garnered early interest, positive reviews, and endorsements from high-profile figures in wellbeing, leadership, and entrepreneurship, praising its emotional depth and impact.
• One review highlighted: “It’s about being authentically yourself, courageous, kind and brave – and we both loved it so much.”
• Mrs Coulson noted the timing of the publication aligns with growing national discussions on children’s mental health, amid increasing pressures on young people.
• She emphasised the book’s role in gently supporting children to understand their worth, emotional strength, resilience, and self-worth.

Horsforth (The Leeds Times) January 28, 2026 – Anna Coulson, headteacher at The Froebelian School in Horsforth, has launched her debut children’s book, Roxie the Little Fawn, which has received notable praise for addressing emotional wellbeing, confidence, and kindness among young people.

The book, inspired by Mrs Coulson’s more than two decades of work with children, follows the journey of a shy fawn who uncovers her special ability to help others feel calm, brave, and self-assured. It arrives amid heightened national focus on children’s mental health challenges. The launch event at Stainsby Grange Equestrian Complex near Middlesbrough drew prominent attendees from education, wellbeing, and business fields, featuring live readings and speeches on the book’s core messages.

Who is Anna Coulson and What Inspired Her Debut Book?

Anna Coulson has served as headteacher at The Froebelian School in Horsforth for the past three years. With over 20 years in education and youth support, she channelled her professional insights into Roxie the Little Fawn. As reported in the original coverage, Mrs Coulson stated:

“This is my first published children’s book, and it has actually been a very personal project that has been quietly growing over many years alongside my work as a headteacher.”

She further explained:

“I have spent much of my career supporting children’s emotional well-being, confidence, and self-belief, and the book grew naturally from that work and from stories I have shared with children for over two decades.”

This personal touch underscores the book’s authenticity, drawing directly from real-world interactions with pupils.

The narrative reflects Mrs Coulson’s commitment to fostering resilience in young minds, a mission she has pursued throughout her career.

What is the Story of Roxie the Little Fawn About?

Roxie the Little Fawn centres on a timid fawn who learns to embrace her innate talent for instilling calm and bravery in others. The story promotes values of kindness, self-belief, and emotional strength, making it a timely resource for children navigating modern pressures. It mirrors broader societal shifts towards prioritising mental health in education.

Mrs Coulson highlighted the book’s gentle approach, noting it supports children in recognising their own worth. The tale’s focus on authenticity – being “courageous, kind and brave” – has resonated widely, as evidenced by early reader feedback.

Where and How Was the Book Launched?

The launch occurred at Stainsby Grange Equestrian Complex near Middlesbrough, a venue chosen to host an engaging event for families and professionals. Leading figures from education, wellbeing, and business attended, underscoring the book’s cross-sector appeal. Live readings and speeches emphasised confidence and kindness, aligning perfectly with the book’s themes.

This setting amplified the event’s reach, capturing attention from diverse audiences. The warm reception at the launch has propelled early buzz around the publication.

Why Did Anna Coulson Choose This Moment to Publish?

Mrs Coulson affirmed that now felt like the right time, both personally and professionally. She said:

“With increasing pressures on children’s mental health, it felt more important than ever to share a story that gently supports them in understanding their own worth and emotional strength, and to bring these messages of kindness, resilience, and self-worth into a wider space.”

This decision ties into the ongoing national conversation on youth mental health, where statistics show rising anxiety and stress among children. Her timing positions Roxie the Little Fawn as a relevant contribution to this dialogue.

What Praise Has the Book Received?

Early reviews and endorsements have poured in, with high-profile voices in wellbeing, leadership, and entrepreneurship lauding its emotional depth. One review stated: “It’s about being authentically yourself, courageous, kind and brave – and we both loved it so much.” A “swarm of early interest” indicates strong initial traction.

Mrs Coulson shared her reaction:

“To see it embraced so warmly by families and respected voices in the community has been incredibly moving.”

Such feedback validates the book’s impact, positioning it as a valuable tool for parents and educators.

What National Trends Influence This Publication?

The book enters a landscape where children’s mental health has become a pressing concern. Reports from organisations like the NHS and mental health charities highlight surging demand for resources addressing anxiety, low self-esteem, and peer pressures exacerbated by social media and post-pandemic recovery. Mrs Coulson’s work aligns with initiatives promoting emotional literacy in schools.

Why is Emotional Wellbeing Critical in Primary Education?

At primary level, where The Froebelian School operates, early intervention is key. Mrs Coulson’s experience underscores how stories like Roxie’s can build foundational resilience. Her book extends classroom lessons into homes, encouraging parents to discuss feelings openly.

What Role Does The Froebelian School Play in This Story?

The Froebelian School in Horsforth, under Mrs Coulson’s leadership, embodies progressive education principles. Named after Friedrich Froebel, the pioneer of kindergarten, it prioritises holistic child development. While the book is a personal endeavour, it complements the school’s ethos of nurturing confident, kind individuals.

No direct school involvement in the launch was noted, but Mrs Coulson’s role amplifies local pride in Horsforth’s educational community.

Who Attended the Launch and What Did They Say?

Prominent attendees from education, wellbeing, and business sectors participated, though specific names were not detailed in reports. Their presence lent credibility, with speeches reinforcing the book’s messages. The event’s success has sparked community-wide interest.

What’s Next for Anna Coulson and Roxie the Little Fawn?

Mrs Coulson expressed fulfilment at the response, hinting at potential future projects rooted in her expertise. With endorsements growing, the book may reach wider distribution through bookstores and online platforms. Its relevance ensures ongoing demand amid mental health awareness campaigns.

Could This Inspire Other Educators?

Educators nationwide might follow suit, blending professional insights with creative storytelling. Mrs Coulson’s model demonstrates how headteachers can influence beyond the classroom.

Background on Horsforth and Local Education Scene

Horsforth, a vibrant suburb west of Leeds, hosts several esteemed primaries, including The Froebelian School. Known for strong community ties, the area values initiatives boosting youth wellbeing. This launch reinforces Horsforth’s reputation for innovative education.