Every Cherry is an imprint of Sweet Cherry Publishing, bringing high quality reading material to people with a range of learning disabilities and difficulties.
There is a pressing need for authentic representation and accessibility in children’s literature. Every Cherry is the solution to this. They are bridging the gap and ensuring that people of all abilities and backgrounds can find stories that they’re not only able to read but can also enjoy with ease. Every Cherry will be a safe space for children and adults with SEN (Special Educational Needs) requirements to fall in love with reading in the most accessible way possible.
The imprint comes in three ranges:
Easier
Symbolised
Stories for Your Senses
The Easier and Symbolised ranges consist of dyslexia friendly fonts, simplified stories, clear and consistent layouts, boxed-in illustrations on every spread to support the narrative, free audiobooks and sensory elements on the covers to aid concentration.
The Easier range then has glossary definitions on every spread (and an online database with audio definitions), while the Symbolised range has symbols above keywords for those who need visual cues when communicating or reading, as well as signed, animated videos of the story.
The Stories for Your Senses range are sensory stories which come in a sturdy board book format, perfect for people with PMLD (profound and multiple learning disabilities), they utilise all FIVE senses by calling for real-life items that can be found in and around the home, or cheaply at local shops. Each book within this range also comes with a free audiobook and soundscape, fully engaging the ears of the readers.
Every Cherry was created after Emma Steel, now Head of Imprint, approached Sweet Cherry following 17 years as a special education teacher. Emma had experienced first-hand the lack of suitable books for those with Autism, Down syndrome, ADHD, Dyslexia and so on, so she decided to change that.
By leveraging a range of SEND-oriented devices, Every Cherry endeavours to remove barriers for as many readers as possible, including those who require simple text, readers who rely on symbols and readers who need a sensory approach to experience the world around them.
Here are five key elements that help to break down those barriers:
Simplified Text and Easy-to-Read Fonts:
Every Cherry prioritises readability by simplifying the text and using an easy-to-read, dyslexia-friendly font in all books. Ensuring that the joy of reading is accessible to everyone, regardless of their reading abilities, this feature is a hallmark of Every Cherry's commitment to inclusivity.
Sensory Outputs on Each Cover:
Recognising the importance of sensory engagement, Every Cherry takes a unique approach by providing sensory outputs on each cover. These tactile elements enhance the overall reading experience, making it more interactive and enjoyable for individuals with diverse sensory needs.
Clear Illustrations on Every Page:
Visual storytelling is at the core of Every Cherry's mission. Clear and vibrant illustrations accompany every page, enhancing comprehension and making the reading experience more immersive. This feature ensures that readers can easily follow and understand the narrative, fostering a love for storytelling.
The idea of visual storytelling is taken even further with Every Cherry’s Symbolised range, which utilises symbols – above the keywords – to allow those who find reading text difficult to gain easier access to the stories.
There are also teaching and learning resources available with pre-read discussion ideas as well as additional activities to explore the themes and characters.
Read our feature Industry Insights: Sweet Cherry Publishing
Click on the books below to buy, read our reviews, download an extract or access the associated teaching and learning resources in our Kids Zone.
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