The new "Not Just a Princess" book collection is all about empowering children to dream big. Learn about careers and encourage girls in particular to look at STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects in a different light.

The "Not Just a Princess" series are the perfect bedtime books for your children. These beautifully written and wonderfully illustrated books are all about inspiring creativity.

We follow Princess Jade in her adventures with het robotic sidekick Hou Hou as she learns and grows into becoming a great leader, all under the watchful eye of her father, the kindly King.

"Princess culture has pros and cons for children's development.

On the one hand the world of princesses is one of rich imagination and magical thought while on the other it can perpetuate an ideology of princesses being passive as they await rescue where the focus is all too often on how they look rather than what they do. Any books, programs or other play stimulus that challenges this and portrays princesses as agents of action with exciting and interesting storylines is to be embraced and welcomed and is good for our children's development.

The Not Just a Princess series is based on challenging the Princess stereotype and puts the Princess front and centre of their own story. " - Joanna

For further info about Joanna Fortune and her work, please visit - www.solamh.com

This new collection consists of 3 books that are designed from 3-8 years old.

Each book contains 32 pages of wonderfully illustrated images that are printed on high quality paper.

Princess Jade is a creative young girl who is eager to learn everything that she can about the world around her. Despite her royal status, she sees herself as more than JUST a Princess.

She invents robots, vehicles and tools that allow her to help those around her as she learns valuable lessons. Brave, ambitious and headstrong, she is constantly finding herself in difficult situations. Watch her as she disappears into her secret underground lab where she stores her creations and launches into action!

Hou hou is Jade's robotic monkey who was built by her own hand. Jade, an only child, created a companion with whom shecould explore the world and have adventures with.

Hou hou is careful and cautious so he's the perfect balance to Jade and her exuberant behaviour. Enjoy his quirky sense of humour as he tries to guide Princess Jade in their escapades!

The "Dumb Dad" is too often a character in children’s literature and cartoons. In the "Not Just A Princess" book collection our dad character, the kindly King, is the antithesis of this terrible cliché. The King is compassionate, warm- hearted and intelligent. In each book he highlights issues within the kingdom with his digital scroll and encourages his daughter Jade to spring into action and help save the day!

Nora is an awe inspiring athlete in the Special Olympics. She has worked hard all her life and is not only an amazing athlete but also an incredible lifeguard. Watch Nora as she works with Jade and Hou Hou to save the Special Olympics!

Mimi is a world renowned archaeologist. She has spent gears learning about ancient history, studying relics and working on archeological digs. Mimi has found an ancient treasure but not everything is as it seems. Watch Mimi as she works with Jade and Hou Hou to solve the mystery!

Writing a book is a long process and needs MUCH tought and preparation. Much more than we EVER thought possible... but it REALLY is a labour of love.

 

 

Gavin Leonard and his daughter Jade started on this journey when Jade was born.

He read "The Princess and the Pea" and other similar stories to his daughter and moaned about female representation in stories to his wife. Shannon. She challenged him to write his own... little did she think that he would!

When Jade was born. Gavin noticed everyone would tell her that she was a "Princess" and could be a Model, a Singer or a Dancer when she grew up. But nobody mentioned she could be an Astronaut, a Nuclear Physicist or even the President!

So Gavin wanted to change the narrative around his daughter and started to think about a wag to inspire her and also document the time they spent together. He hopes these books will also inspire other kids to dream big and become whatever they want to be.

"I love that Princess Jade has a helicopter. meets cool people and has a robot! I love the books and want mg dad to write more and more"- Jade

Richard was really impressed with the idea behind the original books and felt Gavin's passion to take these to the next level. He was delighted to join the team as Creative Director and Story Consultant and use his many years of experience in pre-school animation to bring a team together to help revamp both the stories and artwork so they could stand out in such a competitive environment.

 

Ire and Otto met Gavin after the original book series was published.

They loved the concept of the idea of "Not Just a Princess" but wanted to discuss the artwork and how they would reimagine the character, the look and the style of the books.

After meeting with Jade, the pair were inspired to produce some AMAZING new imagery that fell in love with, and so began the journey of taking this new book collection to the next level.

" I love the reason for their journey and to see Jade come to life in the book was very satisfying" – Ire

 

In 2019, Andy and Roisin from Rad Ecom spoke with Gavin after his successful Kickstarter campaign for the original book series of "Not Just a Princess".

They wanted to work together to launch an online store for the sale of these books.

They built a shopify store, built out ad campaigns and have helped Gavin to bring the original books to market. Now they are working together again and using their talents to build the awareness of new and improved "Not Just a Princess" books.

"Book sales online are hard, but Gavin has a great project that we really want to see succeed" – Andy

 

Down Syndrome Ireland offers support and services to people with Down syndrome and their families throughout Ireland. The charity works with people across all the life stages. from new born to adult.

Every year. we need to raise over 80% of our costs to enable us to continue providing essential services. With minimum State funding, we rely heavily on fundraising and the generosity of the general public.

The proceeds from the sale of this wonderful book will go directly towards the work of Down Syndrome Ireland. and we are truly grateful to everyone involved.

For further info about Down Syndrome Ireland. please visit - www.downsgndrome.ie #ShareTheJourney

Special Olympics Ireland is a sports organisation for people with an intellectual disability. Since 1979 we have provided gear-round sports training, development and competition opportunities for children and adults at local. National and International levels. Through our network of community based clubs, thousands of children and adults enjoy significant physical, mental, emotional and social benefits that being part of our network provides. In more recent gears we’ve expanded our remit to provide health and personal development opportunities and early intervention programmes. By purchasing this book, you are part of our movement changing not only the lives of our athletes but their families and communities too. Thank you!

To find out more about our work. please visit - www.specialolympics.ie or find us on social media at Special Olympics Ireland.