Sophie griffin
Writer
I'm the author of Have You Seen My Mummy Anywhere? A picture book for children aged 2-5. This story helps young kids navigate separation anxiety and develop their body awareness with the help of some friendly animals.With simple rhyming text and colourful illustrations, this story is the perfect bedtime companion for your toddler.
Book Synopisis
Have you ever thought you lost your mummy? Have you looked behind your ear or even in your hair?Join Millie on her search where she will meet all sorts of wonderful characters - there may even be an elephant or even a lion to name but a few! Millie will learn that her loved ones are never far away.
Reviews
Hear what other people are saying about Millie's adventure.
Readers' Favourite by Carol Thompson
Have You Seen My Mummy Anywhere? by Sophie Griffin is a heartwarming children’s book that explores separation anxiety through a playful and imaginative lens. The story follows young Millie, who wakes up and cannot find her mummy. Determined to locate her, Millie embarks on a whimsical adventure, asking various characters if they have seen her mummy. Each character suggests humorous and peculiar places to search, such as behind her ears, under her tail, and even in her hair, tapping into a child's innocence and creative imagination. Griffin, drawing from her own experiences with her nieces and their struggles with sleep, has crafted a tale that aims to comfort children and help them understand their world.Sophie Griffin’s narrative is simple yet effectively conveys the emotions of worry and relief children can relate to when feeling lost or separated from their parents. The repetitive structure of Millie’s inquiries and the amusing suggestions she receives engage young readers and keep them eager to see what Millie might discover next. The story’s resolution provides a satisfying conclusion, in which Millie realizes that her mummy was nearby all along. The vibrant, expressive illustrations capture the essence of Millie’s quest and the quirky characters she meets along the way. These colorful images not only complement the text but also add depth to the story by providing visual clues that build anticipation and draw the reader into Millie's world. Have You Seen My Mummy Anywhere? is a delightful book that combines humor, reassurance, and the joy of a child’s exploration of their surroundings. It is an excellent addition to any young child's library, offering entertainment and a gentle lesson on trust and reassurance.
Leanne, Early Childhood Coordinator at Cheltenham Community Centre Childcare
Have You Seen My Mummy Anywhere? is a beautifully engaging story that our children absolutely loved. They were fully involved in Millie’s search for her mummy, especially when one of our educators added fun actions—checking behind their ears and looking around just like Millie!With its interactive elements and heartwarming message that mummy will always be there, this book is a joy to read and a wonderful addition to our collection. 💛
Northern Beaches Mums
‘Have You Seen My Mummy Anywhere?’ by Sophie Griffin is a rhyming picture book that follows baby Millie. She wakes up one day and can’t find her mummy, so she decides to enlist the help of some friends: the animals on her mobile.When speaking to the author, she informed us that the book was written for her two nieces.‘The idea first came to me when my sister put her newborn down on a playmat while she did the dishes. My youngest niece, also named Millie, craned her neck to try and see my sister. She didn’t want to let her out of her sight. Not too long before this, my other niece, Charlie, had to go through sleep therapy. These were the two biggest inspirations behind the story.’A few months ago, Northern Beaches Mums held a giveaway competition. Local mum and winner, Dimity, had this to say:‘My son enjoys looking at pictures and reading ‘Have You Seen My Mummy Anywhere?” by Sophie Griffin. He likes pointing out all the animals (particularly the crocodile) and touches his hair, ears and so on as the story is read. The book is a quick, easy and enjoyable read.’The author was very happy to hear that Dimity’s son enjoyed the book. She was particularly happy that he followed along with the actions in the story. ‘The core message is that no matter where you are, even if you can’t see them, your mother is never far away. Something to help soothe any anxiety before sleep. But I didn’t want it to just be about that. After reading many many books to my nieces and talking to different mums, I came up with another idea. I wanted to help them learn some body awareness. Each animal in the story asks Millie to look for her mum in or under a different part of her body: the lion tells her to look in her hair, the elephant under her feet. The aim was to help them put a name to these parts in a fun way, so I’m thrilled that Dimity’s son instinctively followed along.’Sophie has been visiting a number of local daycares in her hometown of Melbourne in the past few months, and they share Dimity’s sentiment around the book.Creative Play Educator, Wendy, at the Creative Play Learning Centre said, ‘I haven’t seen my little ones sit so still and so focused—listening and looking with such intent. They loved analysing the images and listening to Sophie. I’m blown away.’Leanne, the Early Childhood Coordinator at the Cheltenham Community Childcare Centre, said the book ‘…is a beautifully engaging story that our children absolutely loved. They were fully involved in Millie’s search for her mummy, especially when one of our educators added fun actions—checking behind their ears and looking around just like Millie!With its interactive elements and heartwarming message that mummy will always be there, this book is a joy to read and a wonderful addition to our collection.’If you’re looking to expand your child’s book collection and add a heartwarming message before bedtime, consider picking up a copy of ‘Have You Seen My Mummy Anywhere?’ by Sophie Griffin. You can order a copy right now through Booktopia, or your local bookshop will be able to order it in upon request.
Centre Manager at Ashburton Nino Early Learning Adventures
This is an insightful story we read to help children make sense of their world and to understand their parent isn’t ever too far away from them.The rhyming text is soothing for children to hear, and the storyline supports children who have trouble getting to sleep.
Wendy (Creative Play Educator) at Creative Play Learning Centre
I haven’t seen my little ones sit so still and so focused—listening and looking with such intent. They loved analysing the images and listening to Sophie. I’m blown away.
Vinita (Creative Play Educator) at Creative Play Learning Centre
The children loved how animals were incorporated into the story about their real-life experiences. It engaged them so much—we’ll be reading this book a lot!
Library Program Team Leader for Bathurst Regional Council
This book uses simple, repetitive, and rhyming phrases throughout the story in a playful manner that will intrigue children as it is read aloud. With colourful illustrations and cute characters, children will be engrossed in following along. Perfect for parents to read with their children.
Heather, Library Assistant at East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure
The story is about a little girl called Millie who has just woken up and is looking for her mummy.
I loved all the animals you meet throughout the story helping her find her mummy. The illustrations were bright & very eye catching. The bold text was fab as I didn't need to put my glasses on to read it. Overall, this book was well written as if through the eyes of a toddler with a great imagination.
Midwest Book Review
Unique, special, and a fun read from start to finish, "Have You Seen My Mummy Anywhere?" by Sophie Griffin is the ideal bedtime storybook to promote parent/child bonding. While especially and unreservedly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, Kindergarten, and community library nap time/bed time picture book collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that this paperback edition of "Have You Seen My Mummy Anywhere?" from Austin Macauley Publishers is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.50).
Camden Mums Hub
This delightful storybook follows little Millies' heartfelt journey to find her mummy, meeting kind and quirky animal friends along the way. It's a gentle reminder of the comfort family brings, wrapped in a tale perfect for winding down.We were so grateful to receive this book as a gift to review, and it’s quickly become a favourite for Sunday evenings. It’s the perfect mix of engaging for little ones and calming for parents—exactly what we all need to end the weekend on a peaceful note.If you’re looking for a way to slow the evening chaos and bring everyone back together, this book might just be your next bedtime favourite.😍
CHILD Magazine
Self-published, this large format soft paperback follows little Millie’s search for her mummy when she awakes from a sleep. She anxiously asks all the friendly animals around her ‘have they seen her?’ only to find that she was in the room all the time! The oversized drawings focus on the expressions of baby Millie which will help in the understanding of the text. Perfect for small children who try to resist going to sleep, reassuring them that mummy will be near when they wake up. Available at many bookshops or online.
where to purchase
Have You Seen My Mummy Anywhere? is available at all bookstores. If it is not listed at your preferred retailer, quote the ISBN (978-1035815487) and they can order it in. In the meantime, here are some links.