A heartwarming World Book Day story from Rose Ayling-Ellis about empathy, friendship and deaf awareness.
Uh oh! Where did Casper go?
When a noisy storm scares Halo and Rocky, Casper remains calm. But when lightning flashes, Casper dashes off, and the other kittens realise he is deaf! Can Halo and Rocky be brave, find Casper, and learn a new way to communicate with their friend?
The Big Bang! is a charming and accessible story for children aged 3-5 that teaches the importance of helping others - especially those with disabilities - fostering emotional intelligence early in life.
Inside this inclusive picture book, you'll find:
- A story of empathy and understanding by award-winning actress, author, and presenter, and Rose Ayling-Ellis MBE.
- An official World Book Day 2026 book that explores deafness in an age-appropriate way, created to promote reading, awareness and inclusivity.
- An introduction to British Sign Language (BSL) with a page of useful illustrated signs to learn.
- Adorable illustrations by bestselling, award-winning author-illustrator, Paddy Donnelly.
Perfect for World Book Day, this inspiring story opens up conversations about difference, communication and kindness.
Autorentext
Katie Blackburn is the author of various humour titles, including Where the Wild Mums Are, and Where the Wild Dads Went and several picture books for children, including the bedtime story Dozy Bear and the Secret of Sleep. By day, she is better known as Leah Thaxton, Children's Publisher at Faber & Faber. Leah loves reading and painting, and lives in London.
BAFTA 'Breakthrough Brit' Rose Ayling-Ellis MBE recently became the first deaf presenter of live sport when she presented at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. She has also received the Stage Debut Award for 'Best West End Debut', an Olivier Award nomination for 'Best Actress in a Supporting Role', and a prestigious Ian Charleson Award nomination. Her documentary Signs for Change was nominated for a BAFTA Craft Award, and in recognition for her services to the deaf community, Rose was awarded an MBE in the King's 2024 Birthday Honours.
Paddy Donnelly is a bestselling, award winning author illustrator from Ireland who now lives in Belgium. Nominated four times for the Carnegie Medal for Illustration, Paddy has published over 30 picture books, including Fox & Son Tailers, Badger Books and The Vanishing Lake. The Golden Hare was awarded the Children's Book of the Year at the An Post Irish Book Awards 2024 and also picked up the picture book award at the 2025 Indie Book Awards. His books are now available in over 25 languages. He wishes that Pluto was still a planet.