Published by Graffeg, this heartfelt and beautifully illustrated book draws from Circle Yuen’s personal experiences and explores themes of co-parenting, family change, and the vital role child contact centres play in helping children and separated families stay connected.
During the creative and research process, Circle reached out directly to NACCC, who were delighted to support the initiative. As part of the collaboration, NACCC provided valuable input and facilitated opportunities for Circle to present her project to professionals working in their accredited child contact centres across the UK.
Circle Yuen said: “Working with NACCC has been one of the most meaningful parts of creating Our Dance. From the start, they saw this not just as a story, but as a vital resource to support children navigating family change.
Their professional advice and generous support helped shape my creative process - especially in developing the key spread that introduces the child contact centre. Their insight helped me portray these spaces visually and emotionally as warm, safe, and reassuring, which proved invaluable.
I’m proud to collaborate with an organisation that puts children’s wellbeing at the heart of everything they do. Our Dance has a purpose beyond the pages, and I hope it proves useful to children, separated families, and the professionals supporting them.”
Headquartered in Nottingham, NACCC overseas around 300 child contact centres across the UK, ensuring its accredited centres deliver safe, welcoming, and supportive environments where children can maintain crucial connections with parents and family members during times of change and transition.
Elizabeth Coe, CEO of NACCC, said: “It has been a pleasure to work with Circle Yuen on Our Dance. This beautifully illustrated book offers a moving and insightful perspective on a young child’s experience of parental separation. It highlights the vital role that accredited child contact centres play in helping children maintain meaningful relationships with parents and family members they no longer live with after separation.
We are incredibly proud to collaborate on this unique and heartfelt project, which not only raises awareness of the importance of safe, supportive, and welcoming environments for children navigating family change, but also serves as a valuable resource to help ease transitions for families. We hope it brings comfort, understanding, and reassurance to children and families going through similar experiences.”
Graffeg, a Wales-based independent publisher specialising in high-quality, illustrated children’s books, acquired the worldwide rights to Our Dance, which will be published on 3 June 2025.
Matthew Howard, Publishing Director of Graffeg, said: “A mesmeric weaving of illustration and text, Circle’s manuscript haunted us from the minute she sent it in. She treats a difficult subject with compassion and sensitivity, opening the reader up to experiences that are both raw and personal. This is a dance between book covers, and we’re delighted to be the ones chosen to publish it."
As part of the regional promotional activities, Circle Yuen has been selected as one of fifteen artists to showcase their work in three Inspire libraries - Beeston, Mansfield, and Retford - as part of the Open Studio Notts: Bringing Artists into View exhibition , which runs from 26 April to 8 June 2025. Her original illustrations from Our Dance will be exhibited, alongside a physical copy of the book, limited edition prints, and promotional materials. Circle will also be showcasing her work at the Summer Craft Fair at Nottingham Contemporary, taking place from 6 – 8 June 2025.