We Can! Make a Difference

We Can! Make A Difference is a picture book where the author and illustrator team were guided by young people. The ideas expressed in this book are theirs and the author and illustrator have ensured their collective vision comes alive.

Each lavishly, full-colour illustrated double-page spread begins with a wish expressed by the children such as: We want a kind world; We want to help our planet; We want a world that is full of books so we can find ourselves in books.

This is the first time I have seen a spread about the importance of inclusive literature for everyone’s mental health. Strick and Antony have also included the first illustration of a public lavatory, complete with a hoist, that I have seen. This will be very affirming to many disabled people.

In this book, Strick and Antony have consciously drawn attention to what children can do if they are worried or experiencing negative emotions advising they talk to an adult, who will be able to help.