Edinburgh school teacher writes book to tackle stigma of being an only child

Josie with her book which is due to be released at the end of October.
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


An Edinburgh primary school teacher has written a children’s book about the experiences of being an only child.

Josie Eckersley, from Fountainbridge, noticed a lack of literature which focused on what life is like for a child growing up without siblings.

‘Only Child, Not a Child Alone’ focuses on the uniqueness of being an only child and the strong character traits this can build.

READ MORE: Reckless Edinburgh motorbike riders pull stunts and weave through traffic

READ MORE: West Lothian police arrest man in connection with death of local dad near school

Josie was motivated to create the book as she wanted to reassure those growing up as an only child they are not ‘lonely’ and should feel ‘empowered'.

“My book, Only Child, Not a Child Alone, is all about the experiences of being an only child and celebrating the unique parts of growing up without siblings,” the 27-year-old said. “It highlights the positives, such as independence, creativity, and the strong friendships and relationships children without siblings can form.

Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.

“The story reassures children that being an only child doesn’t mean they’re lonely; instead, it’s a chance to feel confident and empowered. I wrote it to connect with young readers and their families, helping them feel a sense of belonging and understanding, especially for those who might be in the same boat as me.

“My motivation to write the book comes from the deep longing I had as a child for a story that truly resonated with my experience. Growing up as an only child, I often felt different or isolated, and I longed for something that could help me feel understood.

“I wanted to create a narrative showing children in similar situations being special, filled with joy and strength. My hope is to offer comfort and remind kids that they’re never truly alone, even if they don’t have siblings.

“Through my book, I aim to empower children to embrace who they are and find confidence in their unique experiences.”

Josie realised her illustrator, Madeline, was her upstair neighbour after they met for a coffee.
Josie realised her illustrator, Madeline, was her upstair neighbour after they met for a coffee.

Josie explains how growing up as an only child often made her feel alone when playing with her toys or on her own for school picture day as her peers often met up with brothers and sisters to have their picture taken.

“20 years ago, only children felt like an anomaly,” she continued. “I didn’t have anyone like myself in my community.

“The only books which existed for those without siblings were really Harry Potter or Tracy Beaker. However I was very lucky to have my family and friends around me who reminded me I didn't need siblings to feel loved.

“As a primary school teacher, I've never come across or noticed stories about being an only child. With more and more children in our schools growing up without siblings, I felt it was important to share this experience.

“I wanted to ensure that the children in my classes who are only children know they aren’t alone and can feel seen and understood.”

Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox

Josie met the illustrator for the book, Madeline Pinkerton, 30, via Instagram before the pair realised they were neighbours in the same block over a coffee.

You can pre-order ‘Only Child, Not a Child Alone’ prior to the October 28 release date here.