Book takes Harmonie on an adventure
A Bath girl who has raised tens of thousands of pounds for charity after losing all four limbs to meningitis will feature in a new children’s book in honour of her efforts.
Harmonie-rose Allen was just one year old when she lost all her arms and legs to the condition, having been given just a ten per cent chance of survival.
She now uses prosthetic legs and continues to partake in gymnastics and other activities, including raising more than £75,000 for various charities.
Harmonie-rose, now seven years old, was given the honour of being the first-ever Junior Ambassador for the charity Meningitis Now in recognition of her work.
Her exploits will now be further honoured by appearing in the children’s illustrated storybook Covi, the Little Christmas Dinosaur! written by author Susie Cullen and illustrated by Chay Winter.
Harmonie-rose meets Covi, who is a little green dinosaur sent by Santa to save Christmas.
The book is the third tale in the series The Adventures of Covi, the Little Green Dinosaur, and sees Covi standing in for Santa and delivering presents to children during a Christmas lockdown.
The book is intended to be a comfort to children after what has been a very difficult year.
Author Susie Cullen said she was “thrilled” Harmonie-rose was appearing in the book, as she wants to send a positive message to children.
She said: “Covi is a helpful little dinosaur who came to help the children when the world was stuck by Covid-19.
“As a T-rex, Covi, like HarmonieRose, has limb differences that do not stop him doing anything he wants! As a strong supporter of inclusivity for all, I am thrilled that Harmonie-rose’s parents agreed I could feature her in the Christmas tale.
“Her own story is such an inspiration, and I hope that other children (and adults) with limb differences will be as pleased as I am to see that dinosaurs and Santa do not discriminate!”
The book was commissioned by the British Theatre Playhouse, in association with Worldwide Entertainment, and the company says the story is “uplifting and inspirational”.
Cecilia Leong-faulkner, chief executive of British Theatre Playhouse, said: “Covi the little green dinosaur is a fantastic character and it’s amazing that we can feature Harmonie-rose in the story too.
“This year has been very difficult for children with the Covid-19 pandemic, schools being closed and families in lockdown but this story is uplifting and inspirational and can really show children that we can come through this if we are all brave and determined.
“We hope parents, teachers, and, of course, little readers will love Covi’s Christmas adventure as much as we’ve enjoyed producing it with Susie.”
The book will also benefit Harmonie-rose’s charity of choice, with 50p from each sale being donated.
The paperback will be available for £9.99 in time for Christmas, and the ebook which is available for pre-sale from November 24, will cost £3.99.