Karen Tyrrell – December 1 2019

International Day of Persons with Disabilities– December 3

Karen is a motivational speaker, workshop presenter and award-winning resilience author-teacher. A survivor of parent-teacher bullying, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and bi-polar disorder, Karen is a mental health advocate whose aim is to raise awareness and understanding of mental illness, thus reducing stigma, and to support adults and children on their recovery journeys. Winner of three awards, four grants, two sponsorships and a mentorship, Karen has written 11 empowering books. She also writes mental health articles, has given talks on national and international radio, and presents resilience training workshops in hospitals, wellness centres and corporate workplaces and creative writing workshops in schools and libraries. Me & Her: A Memoir of Madness relates Karen’s experience of workplace bullying and is followed by Me and Him: A Guide to Recovery. Her children’s books include the ‘Song Bird’ series, which promotes bully prevention, self-belief and overcoming disability; Bailey Beats the Blah and STOP the Bully, both endorsed by Kids Helpline; Ready Set Discover Logan, a picture book with themes of inclusion and diversity; and Jo-Kin Battles the It, which addresses bully prevention and boosts coping and memory skills.

Me & Her: A Memoir of Madness
Digital Future Press, 2014; ISBN 9780987274007
15+ years; adult
Me & Her: A Memoir of Madness reveals how Karen Tyrrell, an Australian teacher is repeatedly harassed by parents at her school to breaking point. In a fit of desperation, she escapes and runs. Police and medical professionals discover her hiding in a lonely motel, forcing her into the frightening world of the psychiatric system. Karen reveals her relationship with her psychologist, her pitch-black manic dreams and her two personas: ME wife, mother, writer and teacher; HER manic, psychic, healer to the living, telepathic to the dead, and she’s very psychotic. How did she reclaim her life?
“Brisbane teacher who cared too much – ended up in psychiatric facility. Serves as a warning to all of us. Make a great movie!” – Spencer Howson, ABC Radio Brisbane

Harry Helps Grandpa Remember – Illustrated by Aaron Pocock
Digital Future Press, 2015; ISBN 9780987274083
4-8 years
Harry and Grandpa love playing hide-and-seek together. Over time Grandpa becomes grumpy and forgetful, refusing to play games with Harry anymore. On Grandparents’ Day, Grandpa becomes confused and lost. He can’t even remember Harry’s name. Harry discovers clever ways to boost Grandpa’s memory. Endearingly told and full of hope, compassion and humour, Harry Helps Grandpa Remember provides a gentle introduction for children to the realities of dementia and Alzheimer’s. The book is endorsed by Alzheimer’s Australia and includes notes for teachers and families at the end.