University graduate publishes children’s book series tackling life’s big questions
4th August 2025, 12:42 pm
Degree apprenticeship graduate launches ‘But Why’ series, offering honest, educational stories for families navigating tough topics together
A University graduate has written, designed, and self-published a powerful series of children’s books aimed at helping families navigate complex emotions and everyday challenges.
Tiffany Williams, who recently completed her Degree Apprenticeship in Social Work at Manchester Metropolitan University, created the ‘But Why’ book series to support children with understanding difficult concepts such as emotions, family separation and neurodiversity.
Inspired by her own frontline knowledge supporting children through her course, alongside firsthand experience of being a parent, Tiffany set about her mission to help children understand those tricky “why” questions and provide comfort and clarity to young readers.
Tiffany completed her degree apprenticeship while working full-time in children’s social care and balancing life as a mum, and is also a proud first-generation student – the first in her family to go on to higher education.
Tiffany said: “Writing a children’s book was always a dream, but I never had the resources to make it a reality. During my time as a social work apprentice, I found myself having to explain really big topics to children in simple, reassuring ways, and I was often told, ‘You should write a book.’
“One day I decided to give it a go – I teamed up with my colleague and close friend Melissa, who became my illustrator and business partner, and we started this journey together. It wasn’t always easy, especially juggling everything, but I loved being part of a university community and having those meaningful discussions with my peers.”
Manchester Met is the leading provider of degree apprenticeships in the UK, working with over 700 employers nationally. This alternative pathway into higher education helps to drive social mobility, increasing opportunities for learners from diverse backgrounds.
Its award-winning programmes allow students to earn while they learn, combining academic study with practical experience to help shape the future of the workforce across sectors like health, tech, science and business.
Tiffany said: “Studying social work as a degree apprentice gave me a pathway I didn’t think was possible. It allowed me to learn, grow, and progress my career while still working and supporting my family.
“I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone, especially those who feel university might be out of reach. Learning on the job brings a whole new level of understanding.”
James Walker, Director of Apprenticeships at Manchester Met, said: “Tiffany’s story embodies everything we believe in – that higher education should be inclusive, empowering and impactful.
“The ‘But Why’ series is an incredible achievement, offering something truly meaningful to children and families while showcasing the strength of degree apprenticeships in developing professionals that can make a difference in the real world.”
Tiffany’s book series is available online, and currently includes four published titles:
- But why do they go to work?
- But why am I feeling? An ABC of emotions
- But why am I feeling? The workbook
- But why do I have a superpower?
Each title is written in child-friendly language and has been designed to help adults explain complex or sensitive issues in a way that feels safe and age-appropriate.
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