Does Humphrey Like Me?

By Jane Bartlett and Sarah Bartlett

Meet Humphrey the basset hound. This is a story about understanding needs, communication and connection. Humphrey is a thoughtful basset hound with long ears, droopy eyes and big feelings. Follow Humphrey and try to understand his wants and needs, as Humphrey learns new ways to share those needs too. Humphrey the basset hound is more than a story. It's a warm, reassuring guide to understanding social interactions, respecting differences and learning that everyone deserves to be heard. A small book with a big message of empathy, kindness and care. Helpful for both neurotypical and neurodivergent children and their parents and teachers.

We are clinicians (and sisters) working in children's mental health services. Sarah is a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and Jane is a Learning Disability Nurse. We are also Mums who enjoyed reading to our children when they were young. We noted that this was a special and important interaction and an opportunity to promote connection and bonding.

We have become interested in the role of children's literature in promoting emotional processing and understanding. Specifically, we have reflected on the relationship between early reading experiences, social communication and emotional development, for both neurodivergent and neurotypical children.

There are many children's books aimed at exploring the meaning of Autism Spectrum Conditions and indeed specific disorders of early childhood such as separation anxiety. However, we have taken a different approach. We have written and illustrated a book entitled "Does Humphrey Like Me?". Humphrey is a basset hound with a naturally sad expression. The book is therefore about looking at clues to pick up what Humphrey may be thinking or feeling. The book is aimed at pre-readers and emerging readers, with careful attention to the illustrations which may appeal to both neurodivergent and neurotypical children.

This is not just a book about "what it is like to have ASC" or "what it is like to be anxious", it's about highlighting aspects of social communication that children may struggle with, in an entertaining and emotionally authentic way alongside the adults that they love and trust. Our vision is to promote emotional well-being in early childhood by empowering parents and carers to read with their young children, using Humphrey, to help them explore their thoughts and feelings as they reflect on their day.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1067676309
• ISBN13: 9781067676308
• Release Date: April 2026
• Publisher: Humphrey Books
• Length: 46 Pages
• Weight: 0.16 lbs.
• Dimensions: 6.5" x 0.1" x 6.5"