Thunderboots

*** Winner of the Diverse Book Awards: Readers' Choice Award 2024 ***
*** Winner of the Derby Children’s Picture Book Award 2024 ***
"This bright and joyful picture book draws awareness to both the difficulties and strengths of Dyslexia in a way that is authentic and empowering." * BookTrust *
"The visual energy and inclusivity of Thunderboots is just wonderful and the moment when Trixie goes quiet sensitively shows how a seemingly small thing can shift a child's feelings about something in a very BIG way. For me, Thunderboots demonstrates how the language that we use and the relationships we have are the magic keys to feeling confident about ourselves and our differences." * Leigh Hodgkinson, Author of Martha Maps It Out *
"We really love this picture book!" * Inspire Education Library Service (ELS) *
"I love the character designs and the brightly coloured pages. I really appreciate the nod towards dyslexia being genetic, the normalisation of talking to teachers about learning difficulties, and the celebration of learning plans. I think this is an excellent book to create awareness and as feel-good representation in classrooms or at home.Representation in media is so important, no matter the age of the reader." * Toni, Bookseller at Waterstones Enfield Crown Road *
"Drawing on her own experiences of growing up, the author has created an empowering story of a neurodivergent child, who happily, had the understanding and support she needed." * Jill Bennett, Red Reading Hub *
"Rebecca Ashdown's warm and witty illustrations bring this optimistic and inspiring story vividly to life." * LoveReading4Kids *
"An empowering story about starting school with dyslexia that celebrates everyone's differences." * ACHUKA *
"..not only is this book visually striking, but it is an absolute stunner of a story. A real superpower-house (I may have made that word up!) of a picture book." * Karen Beddow, Mini Travellers *
"The story illustrates the difficulties and, more importantly, the strengths of Dyslexia. It highlights the bewilderment that children feel when they start school... [and] also addresses Trixie's joy when, with the right support and understanding, she becomes successful with reading and can experience the enjoyment and access that reading gives... The pages are set out in Dyslexia friendly ways with variations in the layout, including small chunks of text amongst excellent illustrations. It is fun, colourful, and memorable which is the way forward for dyslexic learners." * Julia Smith, Dyslexia Assessor and Teacher *
"Thunderboots is a joy! The perfect read for any dyslexic child who might find school a challenge and for any parent or carer who wants to guide them through it." * Jane Elson, Author of How To Fly with Broken Wings *
"The perfect picture book for raising awareness of dyslexia as well as celebrating everyone's unique talents and abilities." * BookBairn *
"Thunderboots is a refreshingly positive insight into the dyslexic experience for young children... Naomi Jones' straightforward yet empathetic text is accompanied by Rebecca Ashdown's bright and energetic illustrations. The visual representation of Trixie's dyslexia - from jumbled letters careening across the page to words dancing joyfully around her - is especially successful." * Samantha Lockett, The School Librarian *
"An empowering story." * Books Up North *