Tippy Moffle’s Mirror by Mikenda Plant
SUMMARY
In Tippy Moffle’s Mirror, moffles are a creature that show their emotions through the colors of their fur. Tippy is a young moffle whose mom is blue with depression and neglects her until she is sent to live with another mom. In her new home, Tippy starts out as grey and initially tries to hide her emerging colors but eventually she feels safe enough to open up.
Note: Most links are affiliate links which means we make a small commission without costing you anything extra. You can learn more here. In this case, the author sent me a complimentary copy to review but all opinions are my honest thoughts about the book.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mikenda Plant is a family therapist in England who specializes in adopted children and those in foster care. She wrote this book while she was taking a leave from therapy due to breast cancer treatment. You can learn more about Mikenda and find free resources to go along with the book HERE.
Grab your copy of Tippy Moffle’s Mirror HERE
WHAT WE LOVED
One of my favorite things about this book was the way it respectfully treated Tippy’s birth mother. She is described as so blue that she can’t take care of Tippy, even after people try to help her, but she isn’t painted in a negative light at all. I love the way her mental illness is a piece of the story without it being glossed over or used as an excuse.
I also loved that healthy Moffles are multicolored. Their fur carries the colors of all the emotions they have felt so the healthy ones are a mottled rainbow. The goal isn’t to be only pink and happy which isn’t realistic or healthy for the kids this book is designed for (or any of us for that matter.)
WHAT WE DIDN’T
I wished the story went a little deeper into Tippy’s experience of starting to feel the emotions and that process. That process is so important for these kids and it can be a messy one.
Find more books for adoptive families HERE.
CLINICAL USE
I think Tippy Moffle’s Mirror would be a great addition to any play therapist’s bookshelf and for foster or adoptive families. It isn’t a stand alone book for kids who have experienced trauma, and it isn’t designed to be. You can use this book for kids who are trying to open up to new emotions and who are just starting to feel safe enough to let their walls down.
You can get your copy of Tippy Moffle’s Mirror on Amazon HERE or on Bookshop HERE.
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Many therapists enjoy recommending books to their clients to supplement the work they are doing together. We also use books to help ourselves grow as people and practitioners. Remember though that books are never a replacement for real human connection or for therapy when it’s needed. If you find yourself needing a therapist, a great place to start is Psychology Today. If you are having thoughts of hurting yourself or someone else, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.
