A groundbreaking series of books for children with disabilities and educational needs has been created by a city publisher. The move aims to make reading a safe space for all children in Leicestershire and beyond.
The books have been launched by independent Leicester publishers Sweet Cherry under the Every Cherry imprint name. The books, which have been described as “high-quality” in design and content, have been specifically created for people within the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) community.
Sweet Cherry, based in the city’s Tolwell Road, says the books are a direct response to the need for authentic representation in children’s literature and aims to bridge the gap between children of all abilities and backgrounds. Sweet Cherry publisher Sanjee de Silva said: “Every Cherry is incredibly exciting. It will be a safe space where children and adults with SEN requirements can enjoy the same books that everybody else loves.”
LeicestershireLive is raising awareness of disabilities in the build-up to International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Sunday, December 3. The latest estimates from the Department for Work and Pensions’ Family Resources Survey indicate that 16.0 million people in the UK had a disability in the 2021/22 financial year. This represents 24 per cent of the total population.
The Every Cherry imprint will encompass a number of SEND devices, techniques and technologies to ensure everyone of every ability is included. Details on the debut titles in the series have yet to be announced, with Sweet Cherry saying they will each carry a core message of inclusion and celebrating uniqueness.
Mr de Silva said: “We’re not looking to separate those with learning difficulties and leave them with different, less-exciting stories; we’re ensuring that they have access to the same very tales that the world already adores.”
Sweet Cherry have big ambitions for the Every Cherry imprint, hoping that it will become a renowned name within the industry. The publisher’s managing director, Abdul Thadha, is now calling on schools, parents and members of the SEND community to get involved in the journey and connect with Every Cherry.
The first Every Cherry books will be released in March 2024. Individuals and groups interested in connecting with the project should email everycherry@sweetcherrypublishing.com.
