BookTrust partners with ClearVision for braille picture book project

Nadia Shireen’s The Bumblebear (Puffin) is now available in braille via ClearVision’s library scheme thanks to a partnership with BookTrust.

​ClearVision runs a postal lending library of children's books and has adapted 20 versions of Shireen’s picture book so that sighted and braille-reading families can share stories.

Alexandra Britton, director of the ClearVision Project, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Booktrust on this brilliant project. Shared reading is important for all children, and for children learning to read braille, it’s vital. Research makes clear that being able to read braille opens up greater opportunities in education and employment, but children need every possible support to learn and every opportunity to practice. These books will help more families read together, helping kids learn but importantly also enjoying the pleasure of sharing a great story.”

Diana Gerald, c.e.o. of BookTrust, added: “Getting books in the hands of all children is so incredibly important. BookTrust’s mission is to inspire every child to love books and become lifelong readers, but without the correct tools, visually impaired children will struggle more than they really need to.We’ve teamed up with the ClearVision Project to make sure children with little or no sight can enjoy adventures within the pages, enjoy books and share stories.”

ClearVision currently works with more than 300 schools.