Deputy & Head of Science: Debut Children’s Book Published

Chris Passey, from the West Midlands, has had his debut book Millie’s Socks published by Olympia and Bumblebee Books.

Deputy Head at Kimichi Independent Music School, Chris was inspired by one of his pupils to create story of Millie’s Socks, a neurodivergent girl of mixed heritage who goes on a journey of self discovery through the love of her socks.

“Millie is different to everyone else. She has rain in her brain and butterflies in her tummy. Her friends, family and teachers always try to make her feel better, but the only thing that works is socks. Stripey, spotty, odd, long, short, holey, funny – each morning before school Millie carefully chooses the socks that make her feel the best. But when she loses her favourite pair to the washing machine, Millie discovers that her superpowers weren’t on her feet, but inside her all along.”

The book has been praised for it’s ‘unique’ and ‘beautiful’ portrayal of portrayal of neurodiversity. Ben, who is 10 years old and autistic said it’s “… a brilliant book that explains the differences I feel in life!”

ITV’s This Morning presenter Alison Hammond said she “absolutely loved it” and she joins a long line of Headteachers and SENDCos quick to praise the book for this “superbly written and beautifully illustrated” children’s book.

The illustrations were painstakingly hand-painted in watercolour by Kimchi Schools Head of Science, Siobhan King.

Chris, 36, said “I’m incredibly grateful to the wonderful staff and students at Kimichi who inspired this story of inclusivity, diversity and representation. It was a dream come true to be offered a publishing contract and to see it fulfilled and on bookshelves is a very unique feeling, that’s for sure!”

The book is perfect for ages 7 and above with schools being encouraged to look into the font being used in the book, the style of which has begun to be proven to help those with ADHD read and comprehend more efficiently.

Touchwood Shopping Centre, Solihull will host a meet and greet for Siobhan and Chris on Saturday 27th May on Jubilee Walk.

Millie’s Socks is available from Amazon (in paperback and Kindle), Waterstones in Solihull and Peters of Birmingham.

Bookshops and schools are encouraged to contact Olympia Publishing for supply and class sets.

Order your copy now: https://amzn.eu/d/edirVzv