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SPCK will publish the first children’s book from model and Down’s Syndrome advocate Ellie Goldstein, through Katie Piper’s new imprint The UnSeen.
Publisher Deborah Lock acquired world rights directly from the author, and the book will be published on the 20th September 2024.
Ellie is a picture book illustrated by Anastasiya Kanavaliuk for readers aged four to seven, offering “a retelling of Goldstein’s stratospheric rise to stardom, from a tiny baby whom doctors claimed would amount to nothing, to the first model with Down’s Syndrome to star on the cover of Vogue, and in major campaigns for Gucci, Nike, and Adidas,” the publisher said.
It is the first children’s book to be published through The UnSeen, which works to give previously "unheard"’ individuals a platform to tell their inspirational stories. Goldstein’s adult autobiography Against All Odds, was published by SPCK in 2023 under The UnSeen imprint.
Piper said: “The UnSeen already features some amazing, adult stories – including Ellie’s own autobiography Against All Odds. Now I am delighted to be working with Ellie again on the children’s version of her story, and to be bringing The UnSeen to kids. Ellie’s story is a beacon of hope, not only for children with Down’s Syndrome or other disabilities, but for those who love and care for them”.
The blurb reads: “Complete with vibrant illustrations and a powerful message about self-worth, Ellie is designed to communicate to every child that their wildest dreams are possible, no matter who they are.
“In Ellie, we follow Goldstein’s story as, against the assumptions of doctors that she will ‘never walk, talk or learn’, she dances on main stages, walks the world’s most famous runways, thrives in education, and uses her voice to advocate for others with disabilities, transforming the face of fashion from the inside out. Ellie also includes a note of support to parents and carers of children with Down’s Syndrome from her mother, Yvonne.”
Goldstein said: “I am thrilled to write a children’s book that smashes stereotypes about disability, celebrates the co-existence of disability and success, and encourages every child to see that no one is allowed to put limits on their life.
“Every young person with Down’s Syndrome should be able to see themselves reflected in the literature of their time, and that’s exactly what I hope this book will do. As a child, I fought so hard to overcome assumptions of failure, and now I hope to help forge a society where every person, no matter who they are, grows up believing they can do anything”.
Lock said: “It has been a privilege to work with Ellie on her debut children’s book. Ellie is such an inspirational and powerful advocate for diversity and inclusion, and we are delighted to publish a book that communicates to children the vital message that they are worthy and important because of – not in spite of – who they are.
“As children’s publishers, we passionately believe that young people of all backgrounds and experiences should be able to see themselves spotlighted and celebrated in the books they read, rather than confined to the sidelines.”