Anchored - by Debra Tidball (Hardcover)

About the Book

Ship heads out to sea leaving Tug behind in port. But despite being oceans apart, they remain connected by love. A sensitive yet powerful and useful story about the parent-child bond and attachment.

Book Synopsis

Despite being oceans apart, Tug and Ship are connected by strong bonds in Anchored, a tale of love and connection told through the relationship of a tugboat and a cargo ship.

Debra Tidball was inspired to write Anchored by the watercraft she observed on harbourvside walks, especially the tugboats that send huge ships out into the open ocean and welcome them back again after long, sometimes perilous journeys. 'As a parent, it made me think about the sustaining power of love -- how holding someone in your heart can make you more courageous, and make the world seem like a better, brighter place despite not being together.'

With her social work background and Masters Qualification in Children's Literature, Debra understands the vital role attachment plays in child development. In a world where many parents are separated from their children for periods of time due to work and/or living arrangements, a sense of attachment can feel stretched. Anchored is a reassuring book reminding children that their attachment with their parents/caregivers can sustain time apart: they are firmly anchored in each other's hearts.

Anchored honors the intrinsic value and worth of a child and the sustaining power of love. It's an empowering story that will give children a sense of pride and strength to get through the 'missing you' days.

Review Quotes

"A comforting picture book about separation and reunion
- The Sunday Times, featured in 'Best children's books for summer 2023' article,

"A comforting story of the powers of connection with loved ones no matter where they are. Illustrated with swirling oceans and sky and bold geometric shapes. This is the perfect book for a young person who is missing someone who is away in another place."
- The Sunday Telegraph

"Beautifully captures the emotions of separation, longing and reunion"- Fiona Smyth (via instagram),

"I absolutely loved adored this book. This one really hit me in the feels. It is beautifully written with illustrations that are just gorgeous things. If you have a little one who worries about separation anxiety, this would be a lovely one for them"
- Your Kid's Next Read podcast,

"The story of a big ship and little tugboat and the sustaining and transformative power of being anchored in each other's hearts, despite being oceans apart." - Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrator Newsletter,

"This comforting picture book about a big ship and a little tugboat focuses on the themes of separation and reunion, and how we carry thoughts of our loved ones with us wherever we go." - The Week,

"This is a book that seems to celebrate friendship - how two very different 'people' can have a sustained and loving relationship despite being separated by time and distance"- Reading Time,