Why Not?

One of my favourite steps to share with little ones in regards to their reading journey is when they move from one stage of books to another, in this case from board books to picture books. When younger children start to really pay attention to the cover design and title of a book as well as recognise what is portrayed on the front and/or back cover there is something truly special about that because you know that they will want to hear the story inside the pages of the books they pick. When I first showed Why Not? to my Nephew his little face lit up, and we immediately stopped what we were doing to sit down and enjoy this book together, which was literally the day it arrived in the post!

• Written by George Webster

• Illustrated by Tim Budgen

• Published on 14th March by Scholastic

Why not give EVERYTHING a go!

We absolutely love this book because it is brim full of adventure, and has a magical feel to the content too. We follow a little boy called George as he encourages family and friends to be brave and try things that are often considered scary, from using a zipwire to eating a spicy pizza, and many more. The book is written in rhyming sentences that give an element of being on a journey, moving you along, as you read this book aloud to little ones. Another theme of this book is that of achieving hurdles as they arise for George, and these include him riding a tricycle and enjoying climbing a mountain with his sister Lauren, Mum, and Dad.

There are so many things George enjoys and achieves that all feature in this book, and each of them full of smiles and laughter. This really is such a feel good book that feels so inclusive, and full of love too. George has so much love for everyone around him and you truly get a sense of that from this book, and the stunning illustrations that portray the fun and adventures that are unfolding really do justice to the pride, positivity, and inclusiveness that George set out to achieve in writing Why Not?. The illustrations are brightly coloured and bold, just like the adorable front cover design, and they bring the story to life so brilliantly, and undoubtedly inspire the intended readers and audiences to be brave, kind, and most importantly to include all those around you too.

This book encapsulates hope, bravery, and that sense of community we all love! Why Not? is written by CBeebies presenter George Webster, who is also an ambassador for Mencap, and admirably chose to write this book to tell of his childhood adventures as he grew up with Down Syndrome. On writing this book for younger readers George said ” It’s very important to represent people with a disability in books and the wider media. I hope my books will prove that our stories need to be told for all the children and families in the world,” You cannot help but admire all that George has achieved so far, and continues to achieve, and this picture book portraying children with a variety of disabilities is another feather in his cap.

I live with a disability which has impacted my life massively for the last decade, and people do not understand because from the outside I look fine, and I have been in awe of chapter books that bring attention to the health conditions I have, so to see this picture book portray a broader array of children that include those in a wheelchair and using a walker is exactly what we need more of in children’s books. I look forward to following George’s journey as a children’s book author, and cannot wait to return to George’s exciting world amongst family and friends for even more incredible adventures. George has also written his debut picture book, This is Me!, which released in March 2023, and although I haven’t yet had the pleasure of reading it I do fully intend to get a copy to enjoy with my nephew and other little ones before long.

• This is Me! and Why Not? are available to purchase from all good booksellers now.