Book Review MADE FOR US Polly Owen & Daniel Duncan

I’m in a SCBWI group with the author of this new book, and she sent me a copy to review. I was interested in seeing it because I’ve been working with adults who have learning and other disabilities and have been considering issues such as accessibility. 

This builds on my connection with Sweet Cherry Publishing who recently launched a more accessible imprint, Every cherry. It made me wonder if MADE FOR US also comes in other forms like simplified text, symbols or audio, especially as the three characters that we meet in the book are shown listening to audiobooks. 

This book was surprising because I didn’t realise that everyday inventions that help me do things better were actually created to make life easier for someone with a disability. For example, typing, to assist a blind person to communicate by letter, and touch screens because typing can be difficult for some people. I benefit every day from these inventions. 

I like the way that the objects and the inventors were drawn. They felt friendly and kind. The three main characters were more cartoon style and they helped make the book look fun. 

I am a volunteer School reader and lots of my year three readers bring non fiction books to me. I think they would really like this one. It’s by Oxford University Press and has a reading level of 11 to help you choose. 

Snuggle Time Easter Stories, and plush rabbits

 It’s always good to have a special friend. And so for my friend Glenys Nellist’s brand new book I felt I ought to suggest she had both of the bunnies that feature on every page of the book. 

I made the little patched rabbit first and hand coloured the markings. 

When they were both completed I told them they were off to meet Glenys, in Michigan and as you can see they were very excited. They have big ears, to listen to the author sharing her stories. 

The book is available in all the usual places and of course it’s perfect for sharing now, during lent. 

Both rabbits popped up in Instagram recently, keep an eye out for them. I love making rabbits and these two are really rather special. Hey, I wonder if they met little Mole? 

Want plush for your book events? Just drop me a line … 

January is cold and dark ...

But in the darkness, hope can always be found. 

And on a cold, cold day you can always put on your warm hat and coat and go outside...

I decided to create in plush Little Mole, because he’s such a dear little character, dreamed up by Glenys Nellist, and drawn so sweetly by Sally Garland.

Interesting to discover that Glenys is Lancashire Lass, like yours truly, and that Sally and I both attended Edinburgh College of Art. Small world? 

I think he likes his book, don’t you? 

I’m going to make something else from a picture book now ...