Trudy & Me - a picture book celebrating difference

About the Project

Initially a collaboration between myself, Bridget Campbell, and Lauren Eliott Lockhart, 'Trudy and Me' is a picture book set in Portobello, Edinburgh, that shares the perspective of Lauren’s children Patrick (aged 4) big brother to Trudy (aged 2) who has Down's Syndrome. Written and illustrated in watercolour by me it is a joyful book about siblings and about accepting and celebrating difference.

The idea for the book came about because Lauren and I recognised that children with disabilities are under-represented in picture books and this was something that we passionately wanted to change.

By representing equality and diversity, we are giving children with disabilities a powerful message that they belong and have a place in our world. Seeing someone like themselves illustrated in a book is hugely validating and can be life changing. We are also helping those without disabilities recognise that we are all different in our way and that there are many different normalities beyond their own.

Feedback About the Book

As part of the process of developing the book, we shared a draft with a focus group of around fifty people, some of whom had friends or family members with Down's Syndrome. We had some amazing feedback telling us that the book really resonated with them and that they loved its central message of celebrating difference. One parent of a young son with Down's Syndrome told us that he was 'thrilled' to see someone who looked like him in a picture book.

A Community Project

Lauren and I are hugely indebted to the skills and enthusiasm of two other Portobello residents who have helped get the book ready for print. Jo Tennant has taken beautiful photographs of Trudy and Patrick which wonderfully capture their joyful relationship. And Craig McIntyre has contributed his considerable talents in graphic design to develop the book into something truly special. 

We also owe a big thank you to our very talented friend Isabel Lohss-O’Sullivan for composing and performing the delightful accordion music that you can hear on the campaign video.

How will the money be spent?

Our Crowdfunder campaign seeks to raise money to cover the costs of producing a beautiful A4 first edition hardback version of the book. There are options to donate to receive a book for yourself and larger donations to receive a book as well as donate a book to a good cause, such as a school, charity or hospital. All donations are very gratefully received and please do share our campaign as widely as you can.

Our campaign needs to cover the following costs:

- Print costs (2,500 copies of the book)

- ISBN and barcode costs

- Postage and packaging costs for Crowdfunder rewards

- Our target also takes into account the cost of Crowdfunder fees.      

By supporting our Crowdfunder you are becoming part of  the story of helping us celebrate difference and making               the world a more positive place for us all. 

    THANK YOU!                                        www.trudyandme.co.uk