Catherine's Story

By Genevieve Moore Illustrated by Karin Littlewood


Catherine's Story
Online price: £11.99
Item is currently out of stock Hardback, 32 pages
Published: 14th January 2010

Category: Picture story books, PSHE
Interest age, years: From 5 To 8
Key Stage:

What makes Catherine so special? She can't talk, she can't walk like her cousin Frances can. But Catherine listens very hard (hardly anyone does that), and she can walk in her special shoes, but when Frances tries, she just falls over! And her claps are so quiet that hardly anyone can hear them. These are the things that make Catherine special and, because her family knows how special she is, this makes them feel special too.
This is the story of a child born with severe additional needs that focusses on the special nature of her abilities. Written from first-hand experience of the author's niece, this is a thoroughly researched and heart-warming book that will enlighten all who read it. Foreword by Jacqueline Wilson.

A warm story about a little girl with profound disabilities living with a family who celebrate her abilities. With a foreword by Jacqueline Wilson, this is an important book, written from the author's personal experience. - Bookseller

Thoughtfully written without being over-sentimental, this book is just right for explaining disability to younger children at home or in class. Karin Littlewood's splendid illustrations are done with sensitive realism. - Irish Examiner

A fantastically moving, uncomplicated and truly poignant story. This is her first children's book (I sincerely hope there are many more) and Genevieve Moore should be proud of herself for writing such an authentic and inclusive text that tugs on the heart strings while teaching so much... This is a book that should have a home on every nursery and infant school bookshelf. - Early Years Educator

The illustrations are brightly coloured, conveying Catherine's personality and the joy she brings to her family. The story is well written, and demonstrates that everyone in the world has a talent, and can make people smile. This is rather a short review, but there isn't much else to say about this great book. Go read it! - nayusreadingcorner

5 stars. Not only is the text superbly and sensitively written, but the watercolour illustrations are an outstanding combination of warmth, love and understanding. - Books for Keeps

It is lovely - and too rare - to see the subject of disability covered in such a warm and positive way. Messages form legislation and non-discrimination policies are not as accessible nor aseasily taken to heart, as a beautiful book that people of all ages want to open and read. The illustrations are sentitively and acutely observed, washed in vibrant, happy coours. Catehrine comes alive as a real, pretty little girl who happens to have a disability. Bit of a gem, this book. - Carousel

A beautiful moving book with a very positive message about disability. It would be a welcome addition to any family, class or school library. - English 4-11

This profound story brought tears of joy to my eyes. Using simple child-friendly language, we discover what makes Catherine so special and share in her family's celebration of her abilities not her disabilities. This is a very important book thhat should be shared and celebrated with all children. Based on personal experience, it is very well thought out and sensitively presented. - Nursery World

The lovely watercolor illustrations capture joy and optimism. With subtlety and grace, they perfectly depict a child with disabilities. It is challenging to present such issues without seeming maudlin, and Moore has done this fairly well. - School Library Journal

This picture book story of a child born with severe additional needs focuses on the special nature of her abilities. Genevieve Moore has written it from her personal involvement with her niece, a child like Catherine of the story, and Karin Littlewood's drawings perfectly catch the occasion and mood of her relationships with her family. I welcome this book.. it will be a valuable addition to the early years collections in both school libraries. - School Librarian

Catherine is a special girl and she can do special things.
Catherine has a special walk too.
She can clap her hands in a special way.
"But I can clap my hands too," said Catherine's cousin Frances. "What's so special about that?"
"Ah," said Catherine's dad. "But Catherine does tiny, little claps. And Catherine's claps are so quiet that no one has ever heard them."
Now, that is special.



Publication Details:

Binding: Hardback, 32 pages
ISBN: 9781845076559
Format: 270mm x 214mm

BIC Code: YBCS, YXK
BISAC Code:  JNF053180
Imprint: Frances Lincoln Children's Books


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