Brilliant books for blind children – new for 2021!

Just published!

We’ve just published 4 new books into our picture book library for blind and partially sighted children. Here’s a little bit about each one to tempt you into borrowing them! Click on the book links to find out more and listen to an audio clip.

What the Ladybird Heard by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Lydia Monks

This wonderfully humorous book is full of farmyard fun and antics! When robbers Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len try to steal the prize cow, they are in for a nasty surprise as the quietest, tiniest creature has a clever and cunning plan of her own!

This book is read by the comedian, Sarah Millican and is already proving very popular with our young library members.

Tiddler by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler

Tiddler is always telling strange and wonderful stories about why he is late for school but does he really have such wonderful adventures or is he telling fishy tales?! Find out in this brilliant underwater adventure.

This book includes tactile pictures of spectacular sea creatures that live in Tiddler’s underwater world. Tiddler’s adventures include riding on a seahorse and getting caught by a giant squid. Luckily for Tiddler a friendly sea turtle comes to the rescue.

The book is brought to life on the audio guide by the popular TV actor, Martin Clunes.

Zog and the Flying Doctors by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

We are pleased to announce that Zog and the Flying Doctors has now landed in the library! This is another brilliant story by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler and a sequel to award winning ‘Zog’ (Galaxy National Book Awards, WH Smith Children’s book of the year). Our adaption of the book has coincided with the animated adaptation that was shown on Christmas day!

You may remember that Zog, a rather clumsy but enigmatic dragon teamed up with Princess Pearl and Gadabout the Great and have taken to the skies to become the flying doctor team. No sniffly lion or sunburned mermaid will go without care while the flying doctors are on duty. But Princess Pearl’s unconventional career path doesn’t sit so well with her uncle, the king. He thinks princesses should stay in their towers, wear frilly dresses and embroider cushions all day! Let’s join them in their adventures and find out if Princess Pearl is able to change the King’s mind about what it means to be a real princess.

With thanks to Blue Peter presenter Richie Driss

Richie read the atmospheric audio guide and the making of the book was broadcast in a CBBC Blue Peter special. Find out more about how Richie Driss visited our Production Room and helped create our adaptation of the book for blind and visually impaired children – read about it here.

The Snowman written and illustrated by Raymond Briggs

This Christmas classic brings sparkle and magic to our library – the perfect wintry, snowy tale. The story comes highly recommended by library member Jai-Ryan and his mum, who kindly road-tested our adaptation for blind and visually impaired children:

“If I could kiss you, I really would, thank you so much for bringing this story to life, especially for a little boy that is really starting to fully understand Christmas and the magic of it!

Jai really enjoyed this story, and has fallen asleep dreaming of this magical tale.”

After the snow settles on a cold winter’s day, a boy builds a Snowman. Later that night, under the glittering stars, the Snowman comes to life! Together they fly through the night sky on a breath-taking and magical journey, until the sun comes up and it’s time to go home. BBC TV presenter Simon Reeve lent his voice to the atmospheric audio guide, and there’s magical music and sound effects too.