This educational storybook aims to raise funds for the Dublin Neurological Institute while teaching children and adults alike about the most important organ in our bodies, the brain.
The Dublin Neurological Institute (DNI) has published a new children’s book to teach children and parents alike about the brain. Something to Think About explains in a fun, informative and educational way how the brain works and why brain health is so important. The book can be purchased by contacting us at fundraising@dni.ie.
This beautifully illustrated book, aimed at primary school children, follows the story of Jack, a little boy who doesn’t care for his brain. When Jack’s brain begins to get tired, different parts begin to take “time off” and the reader discovers all of the important work the brain does.
Throughout the story, author Rachael Darby asks and answers questions about how the brain can make us feel different emotions and how it allows us to walk, move or run. Something to Think About is self-published by the DNI and is available now in select Dunnes Stores, Cogs the Brain Shop and online through IES book distributors as well as directly from this website.
Professor Tim Lynch, Clinical Director of the DNI and Consultant Neurologist at the Mater Hospital said: “The brain is the most important organ in our bodies, but generally little is known about it. How do we move, walk or run? How do we think, talk, develop & remember? Through this fun and educational book we are teaching children and adults the answers to all these questions in a simple, enjoyable and accessible way.”
Something to Think About is author and illustrator Rachael Darby’s third book. She said: “This has been a wonderful book to research, illustrate and write. There are so few books or other resources available to primary school children to teach them about the brain – I hope this book fills that gap and encourages kids to think about how they should be caring for their brains.”
Something to Think About costs €6.99 and the money raised will go to fund the DNI.
Every year, 44,000 people in Ireland are diagnosed with a neurological condition and almost three quarters of a million people are currently suffering from a neurological disease. More than 5,000 of these patients are treated by the DNI annually.
Professor Lynch added: “I really hope that Something to Think About encourages children and young people to have more interest in the brain. It would be wonderful to think it might inspire some to investigate the brain as part of the Young Scientist Competition or indeed to consider a career in neurology.”
Like many charities, the DNI has faced difficulties in fundraising throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, although it has kept its services going throughout for the patients it cares for.
The DNI is the only dedicated centre of excellence in the country providing clinical services for neurological diseases as well as teaching, training and research. This new book is a vital opportunity to raise much-needed funds for important research and clinical work.
Prof. Tim Lynch also appeared Claire Byrne Live on RTE Radio 1 on Tuesday 1st June 2021 to launch the book and talk about its unique, informative and fun content. You can listen to the interview here: