Milton Keynes mum publishes children’s book inspired by son’s journey with ADHD
A published children’s book was written by a local mum in the Covid lockdowns to help support her 8-year-old son with ADHD as he overcame challenges in learning.
Milton Keynes mum and book author, Emilya Costouva, wrote the children’s book Spikey the Hedgehog: The Magic of Learning, inspired by her own journey learning to support her son.
Emilya said: “As a parent of a child with ADHD, I spent many years supporting my son through challenges with confidence, learning, friendships, and school life.
“Inspired by that journey, I created a children's woodland adventure that encourages perseverance, kindness, friendship, curiosity, and self-belief.”
The story follows Spikey the Hedgehog as he begins his first school experience in an enchanted woodland setting, meeting new friends, learning new skills, and facing moments of uncertainty and self-doubt along the way.
“Spikey represents my son as a young child preparing to start school and navigate a brand-new world filled with questions, challenges, discoveries, and opportunities.”
The story was originally created during the Covid lockdowns to help her 8-year-old son, Hamdy, practise his reading and writing. The story then grew into a book that celebrates curiosity, resilience, friendship, and the belief that every child has unique strengths worth nurturing.
“Spikey learns that success is not about being the fastest or getting everything right the first time. Instead, he discovers that learning is a journey and that everyone develops at their own pace.”
Emilya said that Hamdy was initially embarrassed when he first heard about the book being published, not wanting everyone to know about the challenges he faced. But his feelings soon changed after he held the printed copy in his hand, and realised that his story could help others.
“I think seeing the finished book helped him realise what we had achieved together.”
“As a parent, it has been incredibly rewarding to see him go from feeling self-conscious about being the inspiration behind Spikey, to feeling proud that his story may help others.”
The book has recently been published on Amazon, alongside a companion educational activity pack. What began as a story inspired by Emilya’s son, has grown into Spikey's Woodland, an expanding children's world that includes books, educational resources, a colouring book (currently in development), and plans for future stories.
Emilya added: “My goal is to help children understand that learning is not a race, that asking for help is a strength, and that every child has the potential to succeed in their own way.
“For parents, I hope the book serves as a reminder that every child develops at their own pace and that encouragement, understanding, and patience can make an enormous difference to a child's confidence and wellbeing. I want children, especially those who sometimes feel different, to know that they are capable, valued, and able to achieve wonderful things.”
Emilya has recently started writing a second book, which follows the story of Spikey's search for his loyal companion, Benji. It is inspired by her own family's experience of finding their dog and the positive impact it had on Hamdy's confidence.
Emilya writes under the name of Emka Bemka.