Magic trick for dyslexic kids
A COMEDY writer who gets laughs for Ant and Dec and Harry Hill has released a set of spooky books for dyslexic children.
Bafta-winner Dean Wilkinson’s books feature a witch called Muriel and are written in a font designed to help dyslexics recognise letters.
Dean, who also writes comics using the special Dyslexie typeface, said: “The books might use a different font to help children with difficulties but they can be enjoyed by all kids.
“Muriel’s a really fun character who loves a bit of punk and paints magical murals in schools.
“Once all the lights are out intruders from other worlds, such as the Bazzazzers from Bazzazz, try to cause chaos but Muriel’s paintings are there to put a stop to them.”
One in ten people is dyslexic, which can cause problems with reading, writing and spelling. It does not affect intelligence.
Richard Branson, Steven Spielberg and Tom Cruise all have dyslexia and faced a tough time at school.
A person with dyslexia may read slowly and confuse letters and put letters such as b and d the wrong way round.
The Dyslexie font was created by Dutch graphic designer Christian Boer to help manage his own dyslexia in college.
The bottom of letters look chubbier and some are more slanted, making it harder for dyslexics to muddle them up.
Studies found that 84 per cent of readers could read text in the Dyslexie font faster, while 77 per cent reported fewer mistakes. October is National Dyslexia Awareness Month and it is hoped Dean’s books will make reading fun for dyslexics.
The witch was the original idea of TV set designer and mural artist Rebecca Morton, who illustrates the books.
Rebecca,, 47,, who has worked on TV sets for Teletubbies and EastEnders, said the idea grew as she painted murals in schools.
The mum of two, married to comedian Richard Morton, said: “I got in touch with Dean and said, ‘I’ve got an idea for a book.’
“I expected to get a reply saying something like ‘ Hasn’t everyone?’ so was pleased when he said it was a great concept. I seem to have come up with the nice characters while Dean has created the strange creatures from different lands.”
The font, printed in blue on a cream background, has been used in America by actor and author Henry Winkler, who played The Fonz in hit TV show Happy Days.
Henry, who is dyslexic, has written books featuring a smart, f funny kid with the condition called Hank Zipzer. They have since been turned into a BBC c children’s series.
British company Lexie Mouse D Design is publishing Muriel’s M Murals as well as the series of comics created by Dean.
Lexie Mouse boss Paul Clarke said: “We strongly believe the Dyslexie font is the way forward for children with dyslexia.
“My sister-in-law in Australia works with dyslexic children and told me about the font and how it was working wonders with her pupils. I did my research and realised it was special.”
Visit lexiemousedesign.com for more on Muriel’s Murals.