Lesley Meyer

Lesley Meyer is a specialised healthcare professional and researcher dedicated to the intersection of ethics, resilience, and wellbeing. As a PhD candidate and academic lecturer, Lesley brings a wealth of clinical knowledge to the world of children’s literature, crafting stories that are as therapeutic as they are engaging.

Driven by a passion for "Science Engagement," Lesley transforms complex emotional concepts into accessible, animal-inspired narratives. Her work is designed to serve as a bridge for parents, therapists, and educators to discuss difficult topics with children in a way that feels safe and imaginative.

The "Tails of the Menagerie" & "Help Me Cope" Series

Aimed primarily at children aged 4 to 10, Lesley’s books, including the Tails of the Menagerie and Help Me Cope series, are more than just stories; they are tools for emotional development. Each book is inspired by the natural world and the resilient spirits of the animals within it.

Why parents and educators love these books:

Resilience-Building: Stories focus on navigating change, overcoming obstacles, and finding inner strength.

Clinically Informed: Written by a professional with a background in clinical governance and physiotherapy, ensuring the themes are grounded in developmental health.

Nature-Inspired Learning: Using free-roaming animals and garden-inspired settings, the books foster a love for nature while teaching emotional intelligence.

Coping Tools: Each narrative offers practical takeaway lessons that children can apply when facing their own challenges at home or at school.

When she isn't writing or lecturing at the University of Pretoria, Lesley can be found in her aesthetic garden in Centurion, where she manages a private practice surrounded by the very animals that inspire her storytelling.