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Writing is very much a part of who author Sally Fetouh is as a human being. As a child, writing was a way for her to express herself and all of the stories and ideas she had in her head. Now, as an adult, she has been inspired to write a beautiful story of kindness and friendship, Jana's Brightly Coloured Socks, a heartwarming picture book loosely based on her daughter who has Down syndrome. It was important to Sally that her daughter and other children like her were able to see themselves represented in literature. The idea came to Sally when she visited her daughter's preschool to read a story about a girl with Down syndrome. The loving, accepting, and inquisitive responses from her daughter's classmates inspired her to write a story reflecting these caring friendships.Sally believes a great book is one that has impactful characters and a story that provides a new experience or perspective to the reader that stays with them long after the book is closed. She hopes that her young readers with disabilities or those who are different in some way will be able to relate to the main character and see a little bit of themselves, while also aiming for other readers to gain insight into the world of Down syndrome and the importance and impact of kindness and friendship. When she isn't writing thought-provoking children's books, Sally works as a lawyer and a photographer. She enjoys being in nature, hiking, and horse riding. She lives with her family in Sydney, Australia. Jana's Brightly Coloured Socks is her debut picture book. Alexis is an artist and mum of three who lives in Brisbane. Her eldest son Jordan introduced her to the DS world, and she has become a fierce advocate, designing the T21arrow, which has been embraced around the globe.Alexis enjoys reading, and is passionate about creating delicious food for family and friends. Her love of art is shared by her three budding artists. They couldn't be happier than when painting with their mum.
Jana's Brightly Coloured Socks is a beautiful book that inspires and encourages children and adults to accept differences. It shows us that we can each be unique and celebrate this uniqueness with friends. In today's society we are trying to educate others that 'different' is ok and this book perfectly portrays that as we follow Jana on her journey with her brightly coloured socks. Emily Miller, Director & Senior Speech Pathologist at Talk About Pty Ltd Jana's Brightly Coloured Socks is a beautiful story of love, joy, kindness and friendship. The book celebrates difference and inclusivity and also educates us in a fun and creative way. It helps us understand not only about our similarities but also how to honour our differences. It would add significantly to any schools efforts to promote inclusion, diversity, wellbeing and equality. I would highly recommend it. Sabina Christensen, Consultant Clinical Psychologist Such an amazing well thought out book with lots of meaning behind it to teach kids that we are all different in our own unique ways and we need to be kind and respectful towards the uniqueness in others. After all, that's what makes this world a fun and bright place to be. Arda Guvlekjian-Adams, parent Some books you read and the story doesn't make a difference, but I can tell with 'Jana's Brightly Coloured Socks' how authentic it is, with such meaning. The children connect with it and love it. Montessori teacher I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book with the littles around me! It is heart-warming and showcases the differences and similarities among all of us. We get introduced to Jana who has just learned to put on socks which are brightly colored and as different as all the differently abled children that make up the world. The book's message: 'It's okay to be a little different because that's what makes the world a fun, fantastic and brightly colored place to be. Faiza Malik, parent We are so delighted to include 'Jana's Brightly Coloured Socks' in our New Baby Welcome Kits, as well as our library. This story is an important one - it poignantly demystifies stigma, encourages curiosity and illustrates inclusion. We can think of no better warm welcome to our wonderful community for new parents than this beautiful book Sally has so passionately created based on her own lived experience. We'll be placing our next order soon, they're flying out the door! Down Syndrome NSW
