Abstract

Roxy lives in the forest with her three best friends, who she loves to visit and play games with. Roxy is in a wheelchair, so sometimes it is harder for her to go to the same places and play the same games as the other animals. Roxy and her friends realise that by making a few small changes and working together, they can make the forest a better place for everyone. Roxy teaches us that there are bunches of ways to be more inclusive of those who have a disability so that everyone can join in.

Part of the Truth & Tails series, which aims to eliminate prejudices and encourage acceptance in young children aged 4-8, the story of Roxy and her friends is accompanied by hand-drawn, watercolour illustrations.

Alice Reeves is a marketing consultant and Phoebe Kirk is a freelance illustrator. Together, they founded Truth & Tails to address the issues that they are most passionate about campaigning for. Alice is also the founder of The Belong Conversation, a series of events designed to promote connection, community, and belonging.
Roxy the Racoon is a beautifully illustrated book that will encourage young children to learn and talk about disability and inclusion. The colourful woodland characters find ways to make sure their friend Roxy can be included in all their activities. The central message that everything we do is so much better when everyone can be included is clearly and engagingly conveyed. I would recommend this book to anyone working with young children to support their positive thinking and learning about the many way to include all our friends in all of our activities.
Claire Brewer co-author of '101 Inclusive and SEN Maths Lessons: Fun Activities and Lesson Plans for P Level Learning' and specialist autism teacher.