Tales of Northwick cover. Illustration by Brian George
Northwick is a hungry bear who doesn’t see too well. I've written a number of Northwick stories over the years and published nine in the illustrated book "Tales of Northwick." The book tells how Northwick overcomes some of the challenges of having nystagmus. The stories provide positive images for visually impaired children -- and adults too.
Some comments about “Tales of Northwick”:
”These wry and amusing stories (obviously aimed primarily at children) are very appealing to adults, too - in fact, I just showed my work colleague the latest one (funnily enough, she has a cat called Elvis rather than a dog) and she thinks the stories are wonderful, too! These stories are one of the highlights of Focus (Nystagmus Network UK magazine) for me.” -- Carole
”Thank goodness for Northwick! He has travelled to 2 nurseries and to school now, giving the teachers a great insight into Olivia's world. Seriously, it has been an invaluable tool. Where teachers may skim read sheets of paper with info on Nystagmus, they all read Northwick in detail! Don't think he's just for children!” – Maxine, Olivia’s mum.
"I always enjoy Northwick- you seem to have a knack for using him to get right to the heart of some of the less obvious issues we face, and always triumphing in the face of adversity (or at least having another biscuit).” – Owen Evans.
"It looks good for empowering a few of the students I work with when they have to contend with 'difficult' teachers!” – Teacher of visually impaired children.
"I find Northwick's tales wonderful reading. I can relate to so much!” – Jan Crews, New Zealand.
”In order to explain to Callum that he sees the world in a different way to us we have used the Tales of Northwick stories. He and his 8 year old sister have enjoyed the stories and we have been able to use the stories as a point of discussion about how this compares to what Callum sees.
They are also very good in providing advice to him, without lecturing, on ways to help himself. E.G. the story of them getting lost on the beach explained that he needs to identify a landmark to use to find his way back.
We have found that Callum becomes withdrawn and quiet when we talk about him or his condition as he does not want to be different, but having a bear and little boy in the stories has definitely made it easier.” – Callum’s mum.
"I really love your stories. They are fantastically funny. When we bought our bear after getting my eye test, we made him glasses from pipe cleaners. The first story about Frank and his new bike reminded me of my mum when I was learning." -- Jake, London
"Thanks so much for the stories. They have really helped Jake and I talk about things." -- Jake's mum Carol
"I'm e-mailing you to say how much I love Northwick. I really like the idea of living bears and bears with nystagmus. At the recent open day I bought the Northwick book (Well my mum did!) and I have read it and thought it an absolutely brilliant book. I am probably going to get my friends to read it so that they can find out more about nystagmus without knowing it."—Victoria, Sheffield
"Dear Northwick, We love reading about adventures with Frank. Please can you send me a copy of your book so we can read the stories over and over again."-- Sheela, Harpenden
"These nine stories begin with our not realising the full implications of Nystagmus, but gradually, as Frank (and Northwick) go to school, have a trip to the seaside, learn to use a computer, experience other children's teasing, and participate in a school concert (which makes Frank's eyes go very wobbly indeed), we learn much more about what Nystagmus means to children. The tone is light and warmly funny, as are the soft pencil illustrations, and while there is a lot of text, children will enjoy having these stories read aloud. Those with Nystagmus will readily relate to Frank and Northwick."