Northampton author teaming up with schools to sell copies of parenting book and raise vital funds

A Northampton author is helping schools to raise vital funds by selling her new parenting book through them.

Sheena Tanna-Shah is letting schools buy copies of Perfectly Imperfect Mum at wholesale price for them to sell to parents and keep the profits.

"The aim of this venture is to help raise much-needed funds and to support parents' wellbeing via the book at a time when it's most needed," she said.

"I receive no profits, this is simply about supporting schools and parents at the same time."

Perfectly Imperfect Mum: A Fun and Inspirational Guide for Busy Mums to Staying Mindful and Thriving Amid the Chaos was published in September.

The book brings together everything Sheena has learned having dealt with crippling anxiety while raising her two daughters in Northampton.

It is structured around 20 everyday scenarios, with each situation featuring a mindful or motivational tip, a simple, nutritious recipe and a yoga pose or movement to destress.

Sheena wanted to combine reaching parents who might benefit from the book and helping schools who have lost most of their ways of fundraising through coronavirus.

"It's so important to have wellbeing at the forefront of everything we do as parents with many working from home at the minute or with children having to self-isolate," she said.

"Plus schools really need the funding help at the minute so for them it's nice to earn some money with Christmas coming up."

Cogenhoe Primary School was one of the first schools to sign up with Sheena being one of its parents - meaning others can get hold of signed copies.

Librarian Steph Gillett said any profits will go towards restocking the library with new books or any other issues that need funds.

"We sent out a message for signed copies as we thought we should make the most of it, we took advantage, and we had some interest straight away," she said.

"It's a great way to raise money for schools as we can't fundraise, we can't have anyone visit or have fairs or fetes so it's been amazing to have Sheena's support."

Any schools interested in joining the scheme should email Sheena on [email protected].