New book for blind children brings to life fantastically great women in history

Introducing ‘Fantastically Great Women who changed the World’ Part 1, for Key Stage 2/3, ages 8+

This new tactile and audio book for blind children is bursting full of astounding women who achieved amazing things by following their hearts, talents and dreams or spoke out for social justice. This is the perfect introduction to some great women in history who helped shape the world in which we live.

In this tactile audio book you will meet seven women and learn about their stories. There’s a tactile picture of each woman, along with our audio description to guide you. To tell the story of each woman on the soundtrack, we’ve used Kate Pankhurst’s words from her brilliant picture book, ‘Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World’. This book is designed to be a fun leisure activity, as well as support some aspects of the National Curriculum requirements for Key Stage 2/3. We also include ideas for further activities that you could try either at home or at school.

A host of stars lend their voices

The seven women in this book didn’t set out to be thought of as ‘fantastically great’. They achieved extraordinary things by following their hearts, talents and dreams and they all hold an important place in history. In this book we include:

Jane Austen was a keen writer from an early age and was a brilliant novelist working in the early 1800s. Her books are known throughout the world and have even been made into films! Jane Austen read by television presenter and Austen fan, Gaby Roslin. Gaby Roslin said –

“I am so honoured to be a part of your wonderful project. Thrilled to be able to help.”

 Mary Anning was a 19th century fossil hunter and palaeontologist. Her fossil finds and discoveries were the most ground-breaking in history. Mary Anning read by writer and presenter, Victoria Coren Mitchell

Emmeline Pankhurst was the leader of the suffragette movement in the late 19th and early 20th century. Despite many arrests, she never gave up on the fight for women’s rights. Emeline Pankhurst read by actor Juliette Stevenson who is also passionate about Pankhurst said –

“The very best of luck with this really wonderful project.”

Marie Curie was physicist and chemist. Her pioneering research on radioactivity led to her being awarded the Nobel Prize, not once but twice in 1903 and then in 1911. Marie Curie read by actor and singer Imelda Staunton, CBE. Imelda said:

“Always a joy to help Living Paintings.”

Frida Kahlo was one of the greatest artists of the 20th century. Her perseverance and expressive outlook on life was depicted in her colourful paintings. Frida Kahlo read by stage and television actor Nina Sosanya. Nina said –

“An absolute pleasure to help you out – and a little bit different recording at home during lockdown!”

Rosa Parks was a civil rights pioneer in America. She famously took a stand by sitting down and made an important step towards racial equality in 1950s America. Rosa Parks read by actor Kiza Dean

And finally…

Anne Frank was the brave and talented Jewish teenager, whose story of living during World War 2 should never be forgotten. Anne Frank read by actor Ailsa Joy.