You Can!
Age 5+
Picture Books Personal & Social Issues: Disability & Special Needs
A picture book full of inspiration and empowerment – real children contribute their hopes and dreams for the future.
"A joyous ode to inclusion, realised in the most delightful, uplifting way." - Cerrie Burnell
YOU CAN...be brave, challenge yourself, overcome your fears, be kind, be brilliant...be YOU!
Come on an amazing journey with 14 children as they grow from birth to 18 years old, learning new skills, exploring new worlds, standing up for their own and others' rights - and following their dreams.
Created with real children, who sent messages of empathy, reassurance and hope, You Can! will inspire young people of all ages to be empowered and believe in themselves.
This is a ground-breaking book from author and co-founder of Inclusive Minds, Alexandra Strick, with an astonishing, visual narrative by international picture book star, Steve Antony.
Creators
Alexandra Strick has a lifelong passion for ensuring children and young people have their views, experiences and voices really listened to. She is co-author of Max the Champion (with Sean Stockdale, illustrated by Ros Asquith) and has consulted on many other inclusive and accessible books. She is a founder of Outside In World, which promotes books from around the world (particularly children’s books in translation) and consultant to BookTrust, managing their Bookmark website. As co-founder of Inclusive Minds, she is particularly proud to have set up a network of Inclusion Ambassadors. Alexandra lives in Surrey, England.
Steve Antony is an award-winning writer and illustrator of over 25 picture books, having sold over one million books worldwide. His books include the Mr Panda series and The Queen’s Hat series Steve also illustrated We Can! (with Alexandra Strick). He has contributed work towards LGBTQ+ anthology Proud. Steve is Swindon Libraries Patron to Children’s Reading Services and an ambassador for the National Literacy Trust. In 2023 he was named ‘School Libraries Champion’ by the School Library Association. He lives in Swindon, England.
Reviews
This deceptively simple book nevertheless manages to address some truly fundamental issues.
Books for Keeps
A joyous ode to inclusion, realised in the most delightful, uplifting way.
A masterclass in empowering young readers to believe in themselves.
The Bookseller
Follow 14 children as they grow from babies to adults in this inclusive picture book…Antony’s humorous, dynamic illustrations develop each child’s story from page to page.
Guardian
Joyous and empowering…the fact that the text was suggested by children themselves makes it extra special.
