Shaun’s story will reach blind readers
Author’s pride as book translated into braille
A beautiful thought-provoking reflection on the human experiences of love and emotional health
A Perthshire author has spoken of his pride after his children’s book has been translated into braille.
Shaun Harbour first wrote ‘The Robin and the Wish’ in 2014 for his daughter.
The book proved a hit and was picked up by P’kaboo Publishers after it was initially sold online.
And it has now been made available to braille readers, as well as being available in paperback and eBook formats.
The illustrated children’s book tells of a young girl’s experience making friends with a robin.
Shaun said: “I am overjoyed that my book has been given the opportunity to take its place in the Scottish Braille Press catalogue.
“Its themes of friendship, love and acceptance are universal so the fact that even more people will now get the chance to read it and get to meet ‘Small Girl’ makes me so happy.”
Pupils at the Royal Blind School in Edinburgh will be among those enjoying the story and primary school teacher Pamela Renton reckons it is ideal for children.
She said: “I would highly recommend The Robin and the Wish to braille readers as it offers a beautiful, thought-provoking reflection on the human experiences of love and emotional health.
“The little girl and the robin introduce us to the themes of friendship, love, and building resilience as the means to develop and sustain emotional wellbeing.
“As we are faced with physical distancing due to COVID-19, The Robin and the Wish reminds us that emotional connection is perhaps the most essential component of a happy, healthy life.”
The braille version of the book will be printed by the Scottish Braille Press in Edinburgh.
Production manager Tracy Christie says the Scottish Braille Press translates and prints braille versions of a variety of fiction.
She said she looks forward to sharing “The Robin and the Wish” with braille readers, adding: “We have done a direct translation and the writing is so evocative, so braille readers can learn about friendship and acceptance of others.
“That’s a really good thing to highlight, especially during these difficult times recently.”
The standard version of “The Robin and the Wish” can be purchased as a paperback or as an eBook from the publisher at www. pkaboo.net
Braille versions can be ordered from www.royalblind.org/shop/ scottish-braille-press