“We recommend Living Paintings to everyone” – Josie’s story

Josie Wheel was so impressed with the raised picture books from Living Paintings and how well children she taught, as well as her sister, responded with them, she decided to make them a key part of her charity, Ladybug Lodge.

Ladybug Lodge is a children’s charity in Coventry supporting families with complex needs and was founded by Josie in 2024. Inspired by her sister Rosie, who is registered sight impaired, Josie has used Living Paintings both personally and professionally, first as a SEND teacher and now as a charity leader.

“I discovered Living Paintings on Instagram,” says Josie. “I ordered a book for my sister. It was the special Coronation pack released for the King’s Coronation and she absolutely loved it. I took it into work, and even though none of the children had visual impairments, we were amazed this service existed. None of us knew.”

Josie’s charity, Ladybug Lodge, offers stay and play sessions for families. Just before their first group, she realised something was missing. “We had everything in place – hoists, sensory toys – but we didn’t have any accessible books for children with vision impairments.”

That gap was filled by Living Paintings. Josie now keeps a bank of books at the Lodge, often themed to match sessions. “I’ve just received a new order. We’re doing a sea theme at the moment so I ordered Tiddler by Julia Donaldson, which I know will go down well.”

For Josie, having her own space for families means that she can introduce more visually impaired children and adults to Living Paintings, something she is passionate about. One seven-year-old girl made a lasting impression.

“This one little girl came with her mum for the first time. I reached out my hand to her but her mum quickly explained that she was blind – I hadn’t realised. Her favourite thing is to bounce on the trampoline and it takes a lot for her to stop.

“However, when I bought out one of the books – Elmer by David McKee as we had a rainbow theme that week – she stopped bouncing and wanted to feel along with the story. She was completely absorbed in the book. Now, every visit, she’ll only get off the trampoline when we bring out a Living Paintings book.”

The family signed up for the service that day, and now use it at home, bringing a Tonie box (a digital listening device) to match the book’s audio.

“The parent guide helps a lot. It can be overwhelming when you don’t know what’s out there, but Living Paintings makes it simple.”

Josie’s sister Rosie is now 19, has complex needs and a much younger mental age. For Rosie, Living Paintings is just as valuable. “She loves silly books and accesses images upside down, which would be tricky with standard books but not with Living Paintings. The tactile illustrations and audio make it work however she approaches them.”

With nearly 400 families supported in the Coventry area, Josie says the books benefit everyone, not just children. “Living Paintings gives our families access, inclusion, and joy. And it’s so easy. We recommend it to everyone.”