IF THE Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children liked Gemma Stone’s children’s story, then youngsters in Wokingham probably will too.
In October, the author will be reading to youngsters from her book, Herb, The Little Star Who Twinkled Differently.
Earlier this year, she hid copies in and around Wokingham for children to find, and next month she will be performing in the town’s new library.
Gemma’s story book is about how being a little bit different can be scary – but that it is also something to enjoy and celebrate.
In the tale, Herb, the little star is helped by his dad to realise that he has his own special star qualities.
It was inspired by the birth of Gemma’s son, Archie, who is now almost one year old.
Archie was born with ocular albinism, a condition which affects the coloured part of the eye.
The iris of those with the condition is not fully developed.
This can lead to visual problems such as a heightened sensitivity to light, and eyes that seem to ‘wobble’ constantly, a condition called nystagmus.
Archie was diagnosed at six weeks old, and his family were then shocked and upset.
Gemma’s way of coping was to write a story for Archie that celebrates who he is and helps children to understand how it feels to be a little bit different.
Herb, The Little Star has been well received, even by royalty.
“I sent a copy of the book to William and Kate, now Prince and Princess of Wales, and I got a lovely letter back from the Princess’s Lady-In-Waiting, thanking me and saying that the royal children had enjoyed the book,” says Gemma.
“It’s lovely to know that they have a copy of it.”
Gemma will be reading as part of the Wokingham Children’s Book Festival.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” she continues.
“I haven’t been inside the new library yet, and I’m interested to see it.
“I’ll read the story, and then lead a simple craft activity with my young audience.
“Archie and my two other children will be with me as well, so it’s going to be a real family affair.”
Gemma and her family were recently on BBC television, when Archie’s ocular albinism was featured.
“It was a lovely interview,” Gemma says, “and it’s so important to educate people about the condition.
“I’ve had people tell me that after hearing about Archie, they were prompted to get their eyes checked and discovered that they have the condition.
“Actually, I’ve recently found out that I have it too!”
As well as reading, Gemma will be advertising her next book, to be published in October.
“It’s a Christmas book,” she explains.
“ I wrote it last year, however with Archie’s diagnosis I wasn’t able to publish it then.
“But I found it again this summer, and when I read it, I had a rush of all the emotions that I was feeling when Archie’s ocular albinism was discovered.
“It’s called The Late Christmas Wish, and it’s a story about a little boy who wants to lead Father Christmas’s sleigh, like Rudolph.
“He doesn’t have a glowing nose, but he does have a glowing jumper.”
Gemma will also be highlighting the work of charity Living Paintings, a group that publishes material designed for people with visual impairments.
“There are normal books but with braille added to the pages,” she says, “so I’ll be bringing along some of these for people to experience.
“I stumbled on them when I was researching albinism, and I think they are worth sharing.”
Gemma’s book reading and craft are suitable for children of primary school age.
She will be at Wokingham’s new Library on Saturday, October 15.
The event starts at 10.30am.
There is no need to book, children and their carers can just turn up.
