Maryam Ehsani
A new book · Coming 2027

What if children learned early that their voice matters?

My first children's book — about safe relationships, finding their voice, and growing up heard.

Notify me at launch
Portrait of Maryam Ehsani

Affiliations & recognitions

  • Founder & CEO, Child Safe ME
  • ISPCAN Executive Board
  • King's College London
  • Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
  • AI Universal Council
Guiding principle
Every child deserves trusted adults, safe conversations, and the confidence to speak up.
Maryam Ehsani
Front cover of Sofia's Safe Circle: Sofia sits cross-legged on the grass holding a teddy bear, inside a circle of flowers, with the names Maryam Ehsani and Rhiannon Thomas beneath.
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The book · Forthcoming

Sofia's Safe Circle.

A Story About Trusted Adults and Speaking Up

Thoughtfully written and beautifully told, Sofia's Safe Circle is a story that sparks meaningful conversations and creates lasting moments of connection between children and the adults who care for them.

Format
Paperback picture book
Readers
Ages 4 to 7
Publication
First half of 2027
Author
Maryam Ehsani
Illustrator
Rhiannon Thomas
ISBN
978-1-0666921-0-1

What this book is really about…

A comforting story about Sofia and the trusted adults who help her feel heard.

It helps them understand their feelings, recognise safe adults, and know that their voice matters.

The book aims to help children:

  • Speak up bravely
  • Trust their feelings
  • Identify their trusted circle
  • Ask trusted adults for help
  • Feel safe, heard, and cared for
  • Grow in confidence
From the author

Why I wrote Sofia's Safe Circle.

Throughout my work in child rights and wellbeing, I have met many children whose stories have shaped my understanding of what they need to feel safe, heard, and supported. One child told me, “I didn't know this was something I could talk about. I didn't know who to tell.”

Those words stayed with me. They reminded me that children do not automatically know they have the right to speak up, share their worries, or ask for help. We often assume they know who they can trust and turn to when something feels uncomfortable, worrying, or confusing. But children learn this through trusting relationships, open conversations, and the reassurance that they will be listened to and supported.

That conversation inspired me to write Sofia's Safe Circle. It is a gentle story that helps children recognise the trusted adults in their lives and encourages meaningful conversations about trust, support, and belonging. At the end of the book, families and caregivers will also find practical guidance and playful activities to help continue those conversations together.

My hope is that Sofia's story helps children feel confident sharing their thoughts and feelings, asking for help when they need it, and knowing that they never have to face worries alone. I believe that when we nurture trust, communication, and belonging from an early age, we create the foundations that help children thrive throughout childhood and beyond.

Maryam Ehsani

A book to return to

Not just a bedtime story… …a book children can grow with.

This is not just a book to read once and place back on the shelf. It is a gentle companion that children and families can return to as they grow, learn, ask questions, and build confidence together.

For moments like…

  • when a child feels unsure or worried
  • after a difficult day or conversation
  • when learning about feelings, boundaries, or trust
  • before starting school, activities, or new experiences
  • when a child needs reassurance, confidence, or comfort
  • when adults are unsure how to start important conversations
Maryam Ehsani, photographed in 2026
About the author

Meet the author.

Maryam believes conversations about personal safety, emotional wellbeing, and healthy relationships should begin early, not only after something goes wrong. She is passionate about helping children develop confidence, understand boundaries, build trust, and recognise safe, respectful relationships. She encourages children to identify the trusted people in their lives and feel confident talking about both their joys and their worries.

More about the author

Maryam Ehsani is an international safeguarding expert, child rights advocate, author, and founder of Child Safe ME. For over fifteen years, she has worked across four continents supporting organisations, policymakers, caregivers, and professionals in creating safer environments for children through governance, child rights initiatives, safeguarding frameworks, and institutional accountability. She studied International Child Rights at King's College London and has been educated in Responsible AI at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford.

Through years of working closely with children, families, and professionals, Maryam recognised the importance of starting early — helping children understand their feelings, confidence, safety, trusted adults, and rights from a young age. She now hopes to use storytelling to speak directly to children and support safer, more open conversations within families and communities.

Sofia's Safe Circle is her first children's book and the beginning of a new journey dedicated to empowering children through confidence, trust, and understanding.

Questions parents ask

A few things you may want to know.

Who is Sofia's Safe Circle for?

Children aged 4 to 7, read together with a parent, carer or teacher. It is written for families and educators who want a natural way to begin conversations about trust, feelings and speaking up.

What is the book about?

Sofia learns who the trusted adults in her life are and how to speak up when something feels worrying or confusing. The story helps children understand their feelings, recognise safe adults, and know that their voice matters.

When is Sofia's Safe Circle published, and by whom?

In the first half of 2027, by Growing Brave Press. It is a paperback picture book illustrated by Rhiannon Thomas. ISBN 978-1-0666921-0-1.

Does it include guidance for parents and caregivers?

Yes. At the end of the book, families and caregivers will find practical guidance and playful activities to help continue the conversation together.

How can I be told when it is available?

Leave your email in the Notify me form on maryam-ehsani.com. You will receive a single note on the day the book is available, and nothing else.

Who is Maryam Ehsani?

Maryam Ehsani is an international child safeguarding expert, founder of Child Safe ME, and a member of the ISPCAN Executive Board. She has worked across four continents for over fifteen years. Sofia's Safe Circle is her first children's book.