The Brainy Brains of Mindsville™
A gentle, empowering introduction to the brilliance inside every child’s mind.
Welcome to Mindsville is the first book in The Brainy Brains of Mindsville Adventures - warm, imaginative stories that help children understand their thoughts, feelings and wonderfully unique brains.
In the vibrant town of Mindsville - where every idea has a home and every feeling has a name, Lila and Raffie discover how their brains are shaped by curiosity, everyday experiences, things they don’t understand and big emotions that come out of nowhere!
Written by RayRay, the pen name of Soraya Shaw, it’s Inspired by and dedicated to her family - especially her grandsons Raffie and Jasper.
This is a story born from love and a belief that every child deserves to understand the brilliance inside their own brain.
Perfect for ages 4–9
“This story makes sense of the brain, helping children fall in love with theirs and see where the brilliance begins” Kate, Years Specialist.
What the Story Is About
Meet Bertie™, Betty™ and Nippy the Neuron™ as they guide Lila and Raffie into the magical world inside their heads and they discover:
Why we feel emotions
How the brain and body work as best friends
Why all feelings matter
What makes every brain unique
The wonders of memory, curiosity and creativity
A child-friendly understanding of neurodiversity
Why This Book Matters
Children today are navigating a world filled with big feelings. Bertie & Betty™ helps them understand what’s happening inside - nurturing confidence, calm and connection.
Created to Support:
Emotional literacy
Healthy brain habits
Confidence & resilience
Neuro-inclusivity
Curiosity & wellbeing
Emotional Intelligence
Self-awareness and reflection
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Meet The Author
Soraya Shaw MSc
Soraya Shaw is an Applied Organisational Neuroscientist and founder of BrainShaw®, known for making brain science accessible and human. Her work focuses on helping people understand how their brains shape emotions, learning and everyday potential.
Inspired by her grandchildren, and by years of hearing adults say, “I wish I’d learned this when I was young,” Soraya created Bertie & Betty™ to give children an early, confidence-building understanding of their brilliant, unique minds.
Blending neuroscience with storytelling, she brings big ideas to life through warm characters, gentle humour and simple explanations that help children feel seen, safe and understood.
Soraya also co-hosts The Brainy Podcast, exploring wellbeing, creativity and what helps humans thrive.
