My dad built me the best and wackiest cubby ever

“As a parent, I wish I had this book many years ago…” Professor Pat McGorry AO, University of Melbourne


“Your book is beautiful. So gentle and considerate, honest and touching. Very heartfelt...” Joanne


“Loved it. Loved the way you handled such a delicate topic so tenderly. Wanted more autobiographical links at the end! Wanted more chapters, a sequel, a class to share it with… Just loved it. You’ve handled it beautifully…” Rebecca


Acclaimed as the children's book every adult must read, this timely and compassionate story centres on a child and father setting out to build a cubbyhouse under streaming sunshine. Until clouds snake in on a hazing horizon… skies swell, a clouding storm brews and finally breaks and swirls into pouring rain. All the while, the cubby grows wackier, with the rustiest of riches that rattle and rule!


This is all a metaphor for the father’s mental ill health that gently aligns with the building of the cubby and changing emotions and weather.


Mental ill health can be a challenge to understand, but Dr Schott's warm-hearted story helps give some understanding through the eyes of a child building a cubby with its father.


The chapter book is ideal for 4-13 year olds. It comes with teacher resources to support student learning, journaling prompts for students to express feelings and thoughts, and a list of resources for carers, health professionals and families to draw upon.


Recorded and produced by AR Recording Studio.