Tue. Nov 19th, 2024
Ready Eddie

A new children’s book, ‘Ready Eddie Go’ series supports autistic children

Author Nikki Saunders has just released, Ready Eddie Go, a heartwarming series of children’s books based on her animated TV show of the same name. The books aim to help children, especially those with autism, navigate everyday experiences that may feel overwhelming.

Books that support and inspire

Each Ready Eddie Go book offers gentle strategies to guide children through challenges like haircuts, birthday parties, and creative activities. The stories follow Eddie, a character inspired by Nikki’s eldest son, Tyler, who was diagnosed with autism at age three. Tyler’s questions about the world prompted Nikki to create Eddie as a way to offer positive representation and comfort.

Nikki explains that while the books focus on autism, all children can benefit from the coping strategies presented. The stories use visuals and clear structures to ensure children relate to Eddie’s experiences and learn how to manage similar situations in their own lives.

From books to TV: Eddie on screen

The success of Ready Eddie Go grew beyond books, leading to an animated series on Sky Kids. Voiced by Jodie Whittaker, the show brings Eddie’s adventures to life, helping children understand different social situations. The series includes a diverse team of autistic writers, voice actors, and animators, ensuring the representation is authentic and inclusive.

Each episode introduces Eddie in a new environment, tackling challenges with the support of a caring narrator. The programme promotes autism awareness and serves as a reminder of the importance of support for neurodivergent children.

Interactive workbooks for extra learning

Alongside the books and TV show, Nikki has developed interactive workbooks that accompany the episodes. These workbooks encourage children to explore social situations in a fun and supportive way.

Some examples include:

  • Eddie’s New Haircut: A guide through the process of getting a haircut, helping children know what to expect.
  • Painting: Encourages creativity and shows that even mistakes can be turned into something special.
  • The Birthday Party: Teaches children how to navigate different party environments, especially if they find them overwhelming.

Where to find Ready Eddie Go

You can explore Eddie’s adventures by purchasing the books from major retailers or watching the show on Sky Kids. Ready Eddie Go offers an empowering way for children, both neurodivergent and neurotypical, to learn how to manage life’s little challenges while feeling supported.

These books offer more than just stories—they provide a toolkit for parents and children to grow and learn together.

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By Fergus McCarthy

Fergus McCarthy is a seasoned publishing professional with over three decades of experience in the media industry. In 1993, he co-founded Parents News, a pioneering publication aimed at providing busy parents in Southwest London with essential information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly activities. Under his leadership, Parents News quickly expanded its reach from 60,000 to 192,000 monthly printed copies, establishing additional branches in Kent, South London, Northern Ireland, and Cornwall. In 1997, recognizing the potential of digital media, Fergus helped launch Parents News UK Online, which carried digital editions of the printed publication and offered a broader range of national information. The website's popularity soared, attracting up to 700 daily hits at its peak. Although Parents News transitioned to an online-only platform in 2017, Fergus continues to play a vital role as Publisher and Advertising Manager, focusing on providing value to businesses through effective advertorials.

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