The mother of a little boy with a visual disability has turned her son’s story into an inspiring book for kids, with her writing career taking a turn as she has become a children’s book author to spread the message of embracing difference.
Archie Stone was born to parents Gemma and Ash Stone of Wokingham in Berkshire, England, on Oct. 6, 2021, delighting his parents and midwives with his beautiful bright blonde hair. Archie’s siblings, Kai, 12, and Lilly, 7, have the same striking hair color.
“I had to pass my baby to his daddy, as I began trembling with shock,” Ms. Stone told The Epoch Times. “He was visually disabled, he will never drive, and will need help throughout his life.”
In a recent interview with The Epoch Times, Ms. Stone revealed that she had started writing this book during the lockdown of 2020 when her eldest son, Kai, received a short story assignment from his English teacher. When Kai struggled to come up with a plot, Ms. Stone decided to “spark his creativity and make the most of his competitive spirit” by suggesting they both write the assignment.
“My goal extends beyond uplifting children with disabilities,” said Ms. Stone, who claims hearing kids talk about her storybook characters “tugs at a chord” she never knew existed within her.
“I’ve cherished receiving messages from around the world,” she said. “They serve as a constant reminder that my message is not only being heard but also deeply appreciated.”
Ms. Stone’s inspiration, Archie, turned 2 years old on Oct. 6. His mom describes him as “an absolute bundle of joy ... on an endless quest to explore the world around him.” She has been teaching him to “discover the world at his own pace,” intervening only when it’s necessary to ensure he is safe.
Archie’s morning “ritual” involves him calling out the names of his family members until he has “successfully woken the whole house.” He loves music, painting, and reading with his siblings.
“Archie receives special books from a charity called Living Paintings, dedicated to creating books for the blind,” his mom said. “These books take cherished tales and enhance them with braille text and tactile images, allowing children to truly feel how the characters appear to them.
“It’s become a cherished daily routine for us, and we hold deep appreciation for the wonderful individuals who generously devote their time to include children with visual disabilities.”
Cute, confident Archie who, according to his mother, brought profound transformation when he arrived has even been signed to a talent agency. He’s already modeled for a few brands and auditioned for numerous television opportunities.
The family shares an exceptionally close bond as Ms. Stone and her husband both grew up in nurturing environments, and their sense of togetherness and love has resonated with their little ones.
The Stones are teaching their kids to follow their dreams and “never give up,” and in her challenging chosen career as an author, Ms. Stone often has to “swallow my own advice.”
The mom of three has just finished her first novel that weaves a captivating tale along with a “hidden message celebrating the beauty of visual differences.”
Ms. Stone hopes to visit more schools to share her stories in different parts of the world. She is launching “Fox and Duck” on Nov. 16 at The New York Public Library and Central Park by hosting a treasure hunt for kids, which culminates in a free signed copy of the book. Additionally, she plans to scatter a few copies of Fox and Duck throughout Central Park, offering the lucky finders a delightful keepsake to enjoy.
Through her books, Ms. Stone aims to convey the message that: “Children are in a constant state of learning; their young minds are like sponges, soaking up everything around them. Now, imagine if that sponge soaked up a different narrative about how we should perceive ourselves. The world they grow into would not only be more compassionate toward others, but also more accepting of their own unique selves.
“None of us are drawn perfectly, but we are perfectly different, and that message holds tremendous strength.”
