This is a book that is; without doubt, a must for every primary school in every country.

Why?

Because Dyspraxia needs to be spoken about and children who have this condition aren't just 'clumsy' - it can cause anxiety and emotional distress as they get older. If we can help a child who has it feel less alone, and afraid of something that is hard to understand through books like Jumping Hurdles then it's a necessity.

I read this alongside my eldest son and we were both emotional as my other son is 15 and has been diagnosed with Dyspraxia for only a few years. Before it, we had presumed him to be the clumsy child that some have. This book brought us both back to seeing him struggle, and fight back against it in the same way Bea does in the book. It's a book about a seven-year-old that brought a 17-year-old to near tears alongside me as we turned the page and willed this little girl on in her Sports Day.

But let's move away from the emotions and to other things I love about Jumping Hurdles. The artwork is beautiful with bright colours that catch the reader both young and old, into the ritual most children and parents have in the Summer of sack races, egg runs and somewhat rarer hurdles. (Glad they only appeared in secondary school for me!)

Alongside the central story of overcoming adversity, the book also tells the story of friendship and acceptance from others for being exactly who you are. This also got a few sniffles because children can be cruel just as much as they can accept someone regardless of any disabilities etc.... so showing this reality may make children (and adults) rethink their way of being too judgemental too quickly.

I could go on, but I will just reiterate this. Jumping Hurdles is a must-read especially for children suffering from this disability because seeing yourself on a page can be incredible as well as any child who loves seeing a character succeed (not to always win to be clear) and be happy.

Thank you for making me cry Sarah Surgey!