Tom Tom, the fire, and the special pound puppy
A deeply personal story by Counsellor Tomass J Wood inspired by a real childhood experience. When a moment of curiosity leads to an overwhelming fire, five-year-old Tom Tom embarks on a poignant journey through big emotions, mistakes, guilt, and the power of supportive connections.
Key wellbeing themes explored
The fire begins the story, but the heart of the book explores what happens inside a child after something scary occurs. We provide frameworks that help children, parents, and educators unpack big feelings together.
Emotional storms and regulation
Tom Tom experiences feelings that grow from small waves into fierce storms. Readers learn that emotions are natural and manageable with understanding, breathing space, and care.
Understanding neurodivergence
Explore curiosity, impulsivity, and intense attachment from inside the child's perspective, validating neurodivergent experiences without reducing a child to behaviour labels.
Mistakes and self-forgiveness
The story clearly distinguishes between making a serious mistake and being a bad person, offering practical reassurance when guilt brain threatens to take over.
A compassionate resource for homes and classrooms
Written primarily for children aged 5 to 10, including autistic and ADHD children or those who feel emotions very intensely. It offers families, schools, and counsellors a shared language for empathy, recovery, and resilience.
Circles, bridges, and comforting companions
In Tom Tom's world, his brown Pound Puppy is a vital Circle—a predictable source of security. When that circle feels lost, bridges appear through caring adults: Nanny Jax by his side, Lucky the puppy offering comfort, and Firefighter Ben, who understands that a beloved companion is never 'just a toy'.
Discover the four pillars framework
Whether you are a parent, educator, SEND professional, or counsellor, the Four Pillars—Brians, Waves, Circles, and Bridges—offer clear, compassionate tools to support children through life's unexpected challenges. Request an early reading copy and help young people thrive.
