Author’s mission to donate book bundles
AN AUTHOR of a children’s book is on a mission to donate book bundles to children with support needs.
Alison H Simpson published her first children’s book Bodhi the Pirate Dog in October last year, following a successful Kickstarter campaign.
Since then, the Bracknellbased writer has been giving copies to charities which help children who are facing difficulties.
“Having worked in housing supporting adults and families for 17 years, I want to continue to make a difference,” she said.
She has been visiting schools, nurseries and libraries and has uploaded a full reading of the story to YouTube.
Last week, Ms Simpson visited Wescott Infant School.
Headteacher Stephanie Holding said the visit was especially exciting because it was also World Book Day.
“The children loved listening to the story and had the opportunity to ask lots of questions,” she said.
“At Wescott, we believe in the power of reading.
“Alison certainly helped us with our school’s mission to develop a lifelong love of reading.”
Bodhi the Pirate Dog was inspired by Ms Simpson’s Romanian rescue dog and is aimed at promoting self-esteem. The story features a pirate dog who journeys across the seven seas with his friend Eugene the frog. Bodhi compares himself to others before realising how talented and special he is.
“I feel like I have an important message to share with the world and I want my book to be read and heard by as many children as possible,” Ms Simpson explained.
Bundles include the book, colouring sheets and a guide to emotional freedom technique, or tapping, to help children learn how to manage their emotions. Tapping draws on the ancient Chinese practice of acupressure.
The bundles have been given to charities including Berkshire Women’s Aid, Sebastian’s Action Trust and First Days.
Canine Assisted Learning, based in Crowthorne, have donated 42 books which will be split between Plus Three nurseries and Promise Inclusion.
Ms Simpson is searching for businesses to support her goal to get more copies of Bodhi the Pirate Dog to children so they can hear its message.
The book is available to buy, and to donate at bodhithepiratedog.com/shop