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Vision Australia's second book as part of the Big Visions children's book series is out on the shelves and the reviews are here!

What is Big Visions?

Our new children's book series Big Visions has been developed with the goal of instigating change in Australia’s and our clients' expectations of what blind and low vision children can and should be able to achieve. The most powerful stories are the ones that provide new perspectives and help to shift opinions. 

The ground-breaking series depicts everyday low vision and blind Australians living well and chasing their dreams. These important new role models are the first step towards changing the kids Vision Australia works with and Australia's expectations of just how much a child with low vision or blindness can achieve.

Vision Australia's ambition is to use these true, unexpected stories of true resilience, true diversity and inclusion with the ambition of together building a kinder and more accepting Australia through the stories we read and tell.

What is Cooking up a Storm about?

Craig Shanahan always dreamed of being a chef. But after two operations on his eyes, he was almost completely blind. Craig didn’t let that stop him from following his dreams. Discover how being vision impaired has made Craig an inspiring role model for all Australia.

Buy the book

"The cover of Cooking up a Storm showing a cartoon version of Craig holding a mixing bowl overflowing with ingredients."

Cooking up a Storm is now available in all good bookstores.

What are reviewers saying?

ReadPlus: Fran Knight

"The story itself is inspirational for all readers as they grapple with how to journey through their world. And to read of someone who has overcome a major stumbling block is reason enough to read the book with awe."

Read the full review here.

Reading Time: Lynne Babbage

"This engaging biography is engagingly written and innovatively published with both standard written format and the text in Braille. This includes both on the cover and on each page throughout the book. This makes the book accessible to other young blind people wanting to read about others like themselves and provides inspiration and encouragement to all readers."

Read the full review here.

Magpies Magazine: Kevin Steinberger

"This is an outstanding picture book in many ways but it is the books design and illustration that stands out the most- it's vibrant colour, light, and vivacity highlights the tenacious, gregarious character of Craig Shanahan."

The full review can be found in Volume 38 of Magpies Magazine.