Books, Fringe Features, Writing

How Stories Illuminate Our Unconscious Mindsets

Anna Walker’s poignant illustrated story of a young boy called Bill and the embodiment of his bad mood, Mr Huff, is a perfect example of how stories can illuminate our struggles with mindset in our everyday lives.

Bill’s Bad Mood – Anna Walker – Mr Huff

Whether we realise it or not, we make a choice every day about how we will approach the day and this mindset colours how we act and react to any given situation. From the very beginning we see Bill make the unconscious choice to get stuck in his bad mood, and as his day wears on, his mood follows him everywhere in the form of a looming dark cloud called Mr Huff.

Mr Huff Sighs – Anna Walker – Mr Huff

Anna’s evocative illustrations challenge readers to visualise our mindset and acknowledge it, making reference to the importance of emotional self-awareness.

We see how Bill begins to understand Mr Huff and how initially, he struggles with articulating what he is. It isn’t until he confronts his mood and sees himself within it, that he has realises his power over it and begins to change his mindset.

I hate you Mr Huff! – Anna Walker – Mr Huff

Mr Huff has very few words, but the story creates lots of opportunity for discussion with children. This is important because our perception of self is greatly influenced by mindsets we’ve formed at an early age.