Pupils Help Create New Dyslexia-Friendly Book

Two talented pupils from King Edward VI Preparatory School (KES Prep), Orla and Penelope, have played a key role in helping to write a new children’s book titled Fur and Feathers Fight for the World — a dyslexia-friendly book in both font and page colour, and one of the first of its kind to involve dyslexic children in its creation.

The official book launch took place at Waterstones in Romsey, where renowned historian and broadcaster Dan Snow cut the ribbon to celebrate the publication.

Both Orla and Penelope, who have dyslexia, contributed their ideas and writing to the project with the support of Nicola from Forest 1st Tutoring, King Edward VI Preparatory School’s visiting dyslexia tutor. The pupils developed each of the characters themselves and generated all the ideas for the story. Using AI technology, they shared and refined their ideas orally before editing them together to form a complete narrative.

Nicola arranged for the book to be professionally edited, illustrated, and published, helping to bring the pupils’ creative vision to life. She says:

“This book shows that every child can dream and share their ideas with the world. I am so proud of both Penelope and Orla for their enthusiasm, dedication and passion in putting together this book.”

The book was illustrated by Emma Watremetz, a freelance illustrator who recently graduated from the Arts University Bournemouth.

As part of the publishing process, Penelope visited Indigo Printing in Southampton during the summer holidays, where she saw first-hand how the book would be produced and helped make creative decisions about its format — including paper choice, layout, and finish.

After half term, Orla and Penelope will host a whole-school assembly, where pupils will have the opportunity to listen to the story, learn how the book came to life, and purchase their own copies. Copies of Fur and Feathers Fight for the World can be ordered from forest-1st-tutoring.co.uk, with all profits donated to the School’s charity.

Mrs Smith, Headmistress, says: 

“We are immensely proud of Orla and Penelope. Their creativity, perseverance, and teamwork have helped bring this wonderful book to life while inspiring others to follow their own passions.”

This inspiring achievement perfectly reflects King Edward VI Preparatory School’s core values — Lift Others, Keep Growing, and Do the Right Thing — demonstrating how, with determination and support, children can achieve remarkable things.