HQ partners with RNIB to produce Braille editions of 'inspirational' nine-year-old's book

HQ has partnered with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) to produce Braille editions of modern fable Out of the Woods by nine-year-old Betsy Griffin. 

HQ partnered with RNIB to publish simultaneously in contracted and uncontracted Braille editions on 10th November to ensure Griffin, who is registered blind, could read her own book. These editions will be available to purchase on the RNIB online shop. 

Out of the Woods takes readers through a fantastical journey teaching readers how to see the beauty in everything that happens in life. The fully illustrated fable captures themes that reflect Griffin’s spirit and her inspirational outlook when it comes to kindness, bravery, music, gratitude, positivity, resilience, family and friends. 

Griffin said: “I am very pleased that the RNIB are involved in my book’s journey. It means so much to me that I and others like me can read Out of The Woods in Braille or listen to the audio version.” 

James Bartlett, reading services manager at the RNIB said: “We are thrilled that Betsy’s book is going to be available in so many formats simultaneously as this means everyone can enjoy reading Betsy’s inspirational optimism for all aspects of life. HarperCollins has set a great standard by ensuring everyone can read this book.” 

Lisa Milton, executive publisher, added: “Betsy inspires me to be better, to learn more about accessibility and to continue my inclusion learning. Having worked with RNIB on audiobooks for a few years, I knew we had to reach out to be able to publish Betsy’s book in Braille.”