Craig Shanahan cooking up a storm by John Dickson. Illus. by Claudia Frittitta

A book with the text in Braille adds another dimension to students’ interest and learning and will interest many as they take up the chance to try out this way of reading text.

In the same series (Big Visions) as Matt Formston: surfing in the dark (2022) the book aims to present Australian low vision and blind people who have pursued their dreams, to a new audience. This series presents role models for kids with low vision and encourages them to strive for something which may have seemed out of their reach.

Craig had always dreamed of being a chef but this seemed more difficult than most. As a child one eye was removed because it was cancerous but while at school he read all he could about food and cooking, gaining an apprenticeship when he left school. He worked at different restaurants learning all he could, often working six days a week. But one day his brother noticed his one eye looked odd and when he went to the doctor, a tumour was found. The operation left him almost completely blind. He had to relearn many things before leaving hospital, but did not waver from his dream of opening a cafe. With the help of friends and family, this dream came to fruition and his cafe offers a range of experiences, and is open to all people particularly those with a disability.

The accompanying Braille text will intrigue both sighted and non sighted kids. It is hoped that sighted kids will gain some understanding of the skills needed by their non sighted peers, and try it out for themselves. The story itself is inspirational for all readers as they grapple with how to journey through their world. And to read of someone who has overcome a major stumbling block is reason enough to read the book with awe.

This series of books presents Australian heroes, but not names most people will recognise but those often living without accolades and recognition. Typing Craig’s name into Google will take the reader to more information filling out what is in the book.

Themes: Blindness, Low vision, Chef, Determination.

Fran Knight