Tiny Tree picks up disability advocate Andrews’ début

Début author Ben Andrews has signed a multi-book deal with publisher Tiny Tree Children’s Books.

Better Places is a series of picture books aimed at helping children to think about how the world around them can be improved for the benefit of disabled people.

Andrews, a disability rights advocate who runs company Beyond Empower, took inspiration from his own experience of having a blinding degenerative condition, Retinitis Pigmentosa, which involves the rapid deterioration of his eyesight.

“We’re incredibly excited to work with someone as passionate and creative as Ben is,” said James Shaw, Tiny Tree Children’s Books publisher and m.d., who acquired world rights direct from the author. He said: “That passion and creativity has driven this project from the very beginning and we are so proud to be working with Ben to bring this series to life”.

Better Places will launch in 2022, with five titles currently written and the search for an illustrator underway. The books will be supported by additional online resources for schools and parents.