Full of inspiration, empowerment and visual pleasure – real children give their thoughts and ideas for the future


Not many picture books for children can claim to be based on a unique idea, but this is one of those rare examples. Several years in the making, it engages with young people aged from 8 to 18, from the widest possible range of background and experience. They were asked what they would say to their younger selves to reassure, enthuse and inspire them about the future. You Can gives their answers, from personal talks, emails, and video talks. We see 14 diverse children grow from babies into toddlers, children and young adults, with all sorts of different interests, ideas and attitudes. It's an empowering book through children's own messages of inspiration, empathy, hope and promise for the future. And the future is theirs – they are the ones who will make it work. Based on an innovative concept from Alexandra Strick, co-founder of Inclusive Minds, and brought to vibrant life by Steve Antony's astonishing visual narrative, here are children reaching out to the future with optimism, energy, and the will to make things different. You Can is a potential life-changer for its young readers.