Jellybean

by Eve Ainsworth, Theo Parish (illustrator)

Ellie battles feelings of anxiety about school that she can’t explain in this sensitively told tale from acclaimed author Eve Ainsworth.

When Ellie wakes up one day and can’t face going to school, her parents think there must be a reason. Is she being bullied? Or is the schoolwork too hard? But neither of these things are true, and Ellie finds it impossible to explain how she feels.

As the days of absence turn into weeks and then months, Ellie’s parents support her through this difficult time, but can she find a way to go back?

Genres: Young Adult, Coming Of Age, Graphic Novels

80 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 14, 2025

About the author

Author of Seven Days & Crush
Scholastic
www.eveainsworth.com

http://www.curtisbrown.co.uk/eve-ains...

I have also self published an adult comedy - The Blog of Maisy Malone.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Blog-Maisy-Ma...

I love reading, long walks, hot baths, eighties music and tea.

Please follow me on Twitter

https://twitter.com/EveAinsworth

Or find me on Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/eveainsworthn...

Reviews

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Jellybean is a short novella sized children's book for any child who suffers from anxiety, depression and worries.
Ellie has started at high school and finds herself suddenly unable to get out of bed and make herself go to school. Ellie parents are obviously very confused and worried about her, and Ellie just can't explain how she feels as she doesn't fully understand it herself.
The book helps children understand their emotions and feelings, supports how they can start to move forward with different supports available, and above all leaves the reader feeling less misunderstood and alone.
As a parent of a child who suffers from severe anxiety and who's child really suffers from it in school (even more so since starting high school), I found this a very helpful and supportive book. The book is written for children aged 10-16 and very simple to understand. This is a book I'll be purchasing a physical copy for for my daughter as I do think this would really help her feel less alone.
The book has some great information and links to external resources that are useful and helpful, too.

[Stephen the Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Barrington Stoke publishes another excellent book ; this time Jellybean by Eve Ainsworth.

As ever, the texts are pitch perfect for older readers who are reluctant readers or have a slightly lower reading age

This is the story of Ellie who finds that she cannot go to school due to anxiety.- the book covers the situation with understanding and compassion guiding the reader through the stages of Ellie’s emotions and the support process.

Eve Ainsworth has written a book that can be a standalone read for 10-13 year old or a book that could be used in upper key stage 2 with a class, small groups or individuals or key:stage 3 pastoral care sessions.

An important read in a time when more young people are struggling in so many ways like never before

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The short review: Enjoyable, easy read for young and old. Ellie is struggling with anxiety, and she can’t find words to explain. Her friends and parents really do want to help. I liked the ending being left up to the reader to decide what comes next for Ellie.
The longer review: What a wonderful, and really accessible book on so many levels. This story is enjoyable. It is easy to enter into and share Ellie’s life and feelings. The artwork is perfectly matched to the story, and aids accessibility. I see so many pupils in school who should be able to understand and relate to Ellie.
A good book is a good book! Lower reading age brings accessibility for more readers, it is not an indicator of how much we will enjoy the book. As I’ve already said, this is an enjoyable read.
The story raises a number of issues which can be a problem in a young person’s life. But doesn’t try to deal with too many as far as Ellie is concerned. These issues may lead to anxiety, which can be so debilitating for children.
This book may provide opportunities for children, parents, teachers and support staff/agencies to start needed conversations. It provides some possible positive ways to move forwards. Especially since CAHMS is in such high demand, yet its resources are very limited and stretched Country wide.
Well done to Barrington Stoke for their efforts to publish books which have a wider reading age but a context which older children should enjoy because it is part of their own experience. Thank you to Barrington Stoke and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

[Am · Rating 4 out of 5]

a short and easy read covering ebsa, a vital and ever increasing topic that needs to be talked about, and support for those experiencing ebsa - this story perfectly facilitates this! stories like this need to be created, read, and heard<3

[Joey Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Barrington Stoke and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.

Ellie wakes up one day and is so overcome with anxiety she cannot go school, her anxiety keeps growing and growing, making life difficult for her and her family, and she’s missing everything at school. She wants to go back, but how she can she doesn’t know.

This was really well done, anxiety is such a horrible thing, it’s so overwhelming and can appear out of nowhere. It’s not something the recipient wants to have happen or to be feeling at all. This book really helped to explain it, to let the reader understand what it is, how I happens and what it can cause. Ellie has to go through and miss so much she wants to be part of within the book, she misses her friends, she misses learning and being top of her class. With guidance from professionals she uses her art to start expressing herself and hoping to find a way to get back to her regular life.

I really liked the way everything was shown and depicted, it was delicately done but very detailed. It shared what resources are available for children struggling with this and how to get them to find ways to battle against the struggles and the anxiety. This is a wonderful book for young readers, so many go through similar struggles and don’t know how to express what they are feeling, this book is one way they can figure out how.

I personally related to Ellie reading this, I actually struggled a lot with this when I was at a school, though I would be always going home through the day as I couldn’t cope anymore. Anxiety really affects you, makes your school work suffer, makes you start declining mentally in other ways. I didn’t have anything like this to help me, I actually didn’t have anything to help me in anyway to get through it, it would have been nice having books on mental health like this, so I’m really happy for young readers today that get these books to help them.

[Steff Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eve Ainsworth's Jellybean is the sort of book that I am always absolutely thrilled to see out there in the world. Not only is this one of those books that meets struggling readers where they're at, but it discusses a topic that often takes those who experience it by surprise, resulting in a litany of negative feelings about themselves that they have no idea how to navigate. I do genuinely believe that having access to books that delve into these themes will create the opportunity for young minds to learn about and have empathy for others who are struggling, but also for those with similar experiences to not only recognize it in themselves, but be a step ahead in finding the right support for themselves.

Though advertised as a graphic novel, Jellybean does feel more like one of those hi-lo books for teens that includes a decent number of illustrations. One day, seemingly out of nowhere, Ellie wakes up and finds herself incapable of returning to school—overcome with a crippling anxiety that is centered fully around simply being at school, the book details Ellie's journey alongside her family to get the support she needs with the hope that it will one day allow her to face those struggles without experiencing the high level of stress that has been preventing her from returning to school.

I deeply appreciated so much about this book; from the subject matter to the accessibility of the text. The plot is somewhat simple, though certainly reminiscent of what an average teen struggling with this circumstance might be going through. I also think it was important that the story depicted the main character going through therapy, having understanding friends, and how her parents experienced difficulty with the illness as well. A situation like this won't necessarily have a quick or easy resolution, and though the story does seem to bring things to a close in a very positive manner, it's not without struggles.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Lou Hughes]

I think this is a brilliant book- and I know a lot of people are going to enjoy it. My grapple with the book unfortunately is that this was a book highlighted for me as a trans person, so I went into this with the expectation that it would be about a trans person.

I also want to clarify that I have EUPD, GAD and depression, so I understood what the book was about, and found it scarily relatable in a very simplified way that would be easy for a child- the target audience I believe, to understand.

We could sit here and say its my EUPD- because I went into this excited to hear about the trans experience, and was utterly deflated. That being said I also read to the end. I also thought that this book was going to be a graphic novel of sorts as many books I have read which has a similar cover- so when I started reading and it wasn't I felt like I'd been stabbed twice.

That being said- It captures the struggles of many neurodivergent folk well. And I do mean well. I came from an extremely neurodivergent household, and it was a relief in many ways to see this book and see so many characteristics which are familiar and also distant to me. I really adore the art style, the simplicity of the book, and of course the absolutely brilliant portrayal of fighting something others can't necessarily see. I think this book will help a lot of young people. This is a book I could've done with, and some of my siblings definitely could've done with growing up.

I haven't left a star rating because I fear it would be unfair to the author, as I went into this book expecting one thing, but left having read about something else entirely.

[Theediscerning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie hates the idea of school so much she just cannot face the idea of going – and also hates the fact she cannot describe why this is the case; there is not one single reason or trigger for her feeling this way. And thus begins her missing almost a school year. She gets homework delivered to her, and can have some online tuition, but she knows she is missing out on all that her friends are doing, to the extent she might be a Billie No Mates when and if she can return. The first chapter of this is her walking to school, so she seems cured – but all the details of the extended flashback that follows show how difficult the whole year has been. Will she make it back through those familiar gates?

There clearly is a vital need for some people to have this book to prescribe to children feeling the same way as Ellie. And Barrington Stoke have done their usual thing here, in pitching this for those almost ready to be at secondary school, but available to anyone with a reading age of seven or above. It's not their usual thing to have an Issue Book like this, mind, so I don't see this should be in every BS collection. This isn't something we'd necessarily choose for the joys of the narrative, however clever and engaging it is. No, like I say, it's for counsellors and therapists to have ready to recommend. To that end I give five stars – this is a clear, non-judgemental look at school-caused anxieties, and my layman brain says this will be a great help to see such children represented. As a fun read for the rest of us, it's educational, but the pleasure isn't particularly there.

[Katy Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

School anxiety story, gets inside the character's head well.

It's something I personally don't understand, but then again, most of us would struggle to - suddenly feeling overwhelmed in school or somewhere like it and being unable to continue attending.

For some it is all too real, and this Barrington Stoke novella allows teens to empathise and go inside the mind of a peer going through this, and allowing them to understand how it starts, how they feel and cope, and what routes there might be to improve things.

This felt like a gentle introduction to the idea, Ellie is handled very calmly and rationally by family, there are no forced attendances, the school seems supportive, friends continue to contact her while she's at home, it feels 'too good to be true' in a way, but this allows the short book to concentrate on Ellie and her feelings, her headspace and not bring outside issues into it.

It feels as though this could be helpful and reassuring, as well as giving insight into peers and their problems.

The story is left open for readers to continue it in their own minds.

Suitable for those with a lower ability than their age, expanding the topic to the right ages even if they might struggle with literacy a little.

For ages 12 and above.

With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.

[Tracy Lander · Rating 5 out of 5]

We love the Lightmoor Lionesses books for Barrington Stoke that Eve has done, so I was keen to get hold of this. I wasn't disappointed. It is fabulous. Thank you to Poppy at Barrington Stoke for arranging this . It is out 14th August.

Jellybean (or Ellie Bean) is walking to school. It's scary. She hasn't done this for nearly a year. Mum tried to help: favourite breakfast and relaxing music.
Ellie is facing her fear, she became ill and scared and unable to express why she felt that way about school. She loved learning, no-one bullied her, she couldn't pin her anxiety on anything.

She stayed home. The school sent a welfare officer and work to do. She met up with other children who were home educated - because of illness or being school refusers. She could talk to them. She had a CAMHS appointment. It all helped her get to this point, when she wants to try. She wants to go back to school. She has coping strategies but will it be enough? Can she walk through those gates? Or should she go home?

[Lena · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading this I'm a bit confused that this is considered as a graphic novel. It's a pretty short book with mainly text and around 10 pictures throughout the story. I thought it would be more the other way around when I started it. It was still a good book.

One day Ellie wakes up and struggles to go to school. What started with a few days not going to school, ended up being a year. Ellie can't explain what's going on, even if she tried to explain.

The story mostly focuses on Ellie and her struggle. The chapters are short and have some time jumps. The writing style is easy to follow and nice to read.

This book can be a good help for children who also struggle with anxiety. I really liked that the last pages had a lot of information for parents/teachers/etc. about different ways to help and sources to look into.

Thank you to Negtalley and Barrington Stoke for this EARC!

[L · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is short but deftly covers the main points of school avoidance. Ellie (Jellybean) is the main character and the story starts with her making her way to school for the first time in a long period. It then flashes back to when she started avoiding school, covering her feelings, how it affects her and others and what strategies are tried.
All experiences of EBSA are individual and Eve does manage to make Ellie’s story general enough that there are lots of common elements for children to relate to without it being maybe too different from their own story.
My daughter is EBSA and I asked her to read it too. She felt it resonated with her experiences.
The ending is open, which normally I dislike, but I think for this story, leaving the reader to make up their own mind on how it ends is important.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.

[Snarhooked · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short story about emotional-based school avoidance that is accessible for lower-ability readers. It is also printed in a dyslexic-friendly format.

Ellie's anxiety about school increased to the point that one morning she simply couldn't leave the house. The story picks up several months down the line where Ellie is still unable to attend school and is still waiting for professional help.

We learn that Ellie can't pinpoint what exactly the problem is. She's not being bullied and has a good group of friends. But something triggers her anxiety to the point that she feels physically unwell.

As well as portraying how Ellie feels there is also a bit about long waiting lists and the helpful work that CAMHS do.

Although Ellie is at secondary school I think this book would be suitable for readers aged 9-12. It is written very simply which may limit the appeal to stronger readers. But I can see it being helpful for the intended audience of lower ability students up to 13 or 14.

[Cherlynn | cherreading · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked this up for the gorgeous cover and because I've always enjoyed Eve Ainsworth's work, and it did not disappoint.

I am impressed at how the book covers nearly all bases despite its short length and how comprehensive it is. Not only does it dive into what it's like to live with anxiety, this novella also shows the importance of a good support system and availability of resources. Ellie's feelings and struggles were realistic and well-explored.

A great read about understanding anxiety.

Thank you to Barrington Stoke for the Netgalley ARC.

[Boooks with Tokyo · Rating 4 out of 5]

4’2/5 ⭐️ First of all, thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for an arc of “Jellybean”. I requested an arc of this book because the art style reminded me a lot of Heartstopper. I really enjoy that type of art style so i really liked the art in Jellybean. The story of Ellie’s experience regarding her feelings towards going to school and the anxiety it gives her is a very compelling and informative way of giving visibility to this kinds of feelings a lot of people struggle with. A very quick, informative read with beautiful art illustrations.

[I'mogén · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating: 3.5 / 5


This was a good little book about a young person struggling with the everyday anxieties of school but unable to communicate how or why she feels these things and when it first started.


I initially picked it up at the library as it was new in and I instantly recognized he art style of illustrator Theo Parish, but I came out the other side with great understanding and empathy for children with Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA), and felt like the topic was handled sensitively on top of being informative.


Pick it up, give it a go & enjoy!

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jellybean gives us an insight into the feelings of a school refuser and is a very empathetic, informative read. The main protagonist struggles to enunciate what is stopping her from returning to school, she wants to go but the ever present inexplicable fear she feels every day is making it impossible for her. Eve Ainsworth has a way of getting lots of understanding in concise word counts , there is also information for adults and sources of help for kids included at the end of the story.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is gentle and honest. A young girl struggling with anxiety and not going to school. I really appreciated how this was told, and the few explanations of how you can get help at the end was a wonderful touch. I loved the illustrations throughout too.

[Penelope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth reading

This is a very good read not only for Children and Young people but Adults as well.
I had this as a child but non of this was recognised or tolerated back then so you forced your self to ignore the feelings and push on. But this explains and gives ideas to help.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great mental health book which is well written to suit children and adults. It is also enjoyable and evokes empathy amongst readers.

[Denise Figueroa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finished reading this book on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at 2:07 a.m. I bought this Ebook with my Google Play credits. I could tell this was made more juveniles.

[Jody]

I get it

[Bobbie Dekkers · Rating 4 out of 5]

its a good book, its about anxous and how you can deal wit it

[Kirsty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely book. Will be useful