Children’s Book Review: The Little Person Inside*

What do you look for in a Children’s book? It is a tough question, as there are so many answers, but when I look for a book, in particular, for my youngest, who has just reached 8, we love funny books like Supertato, we also love positive books by Todd Parr, who often writes about how its fun to read, funny do’s and don’t’s (like don’t brush your teeth with peanut butter!), but also books that will inspire too. This is where The Little Person Inside will become a go to book for one of the most inspiring stories that has been perfectly written for young minds. The book has a fairly sad start, but then you are shown how anything is possible through the author’s descriptions of his experiences throughout the book. This is a modern-day biography of Talan Skeels-Piggins, that will have children aw struck, and has imagery that will please the eye of both young and old readers.

What we thought of the book? 

The book arrived just in time for my son’s birthday, which meant that we had it ready to wrap for his special day, and we read it that night. My youngest loves to read at bedtime and although we read big novels occasionally, his go to books are still the small and easy to read ones, this is why this book is perfect for a quick bedtime story.

The book is hardback and has a beautiful mountain covered, blue front cover, with a simple and childlike illustration of Talan (its author) on the front. It instantly appealed to my 8-year-old, and even more so when we started reading.

The Little Person Inside has been written by Talan Skeels-Piggins and uniquely illustrated by Natascha Taylor. The book goes through the traumatic experience of Talan becoming paralysed in an unfortunate accident. But then you are lifted up through his story, as he begins to tell you how he never gave up on following his dreams regardless of his very difficult situation.

The book is aw-inspiring, we just loved reading this story as it fills you with such positivity, but it encompassed real struggle too. Although Talan’s story links to paralysis which can be a difficult subject to discuss (at times) with young children, we learn of his struggle to overcome his accident and how he eventually goes on to fulfil his dreams.

What I found significant about this book, is how Talan tries to link his paralysis with many potential struggles that any one child may face. So although he can not move his legs and this caused him much heartache, he tries to show how that voice of doubt that we all may get at one time or another can with great force be pushed aside, in order to pursue whatever you would like within your life. The voice of doubt being ’The Little Person Inside’.

He shows how when we overcome those challenges, you can truly achieve anything you put your mind to. This is exactly how inspired we all felt after reading/hearing this story. I would recommend this book as such a positive story and a way to encourage children to follow their dreams regardless of their struggles. It is a book I feel should be in schools as it just hits the mark with how interesting of a story Talan has to tell.

Where can you buy your book? 

You can get your copy on Amazon or at WH Smith and Waterstones.

How much is the book? 

The book retails for £14.99 for a hardcover, like the one we received.   You can pay less for a Kindle download for £5.09 or £8.73 for the paperback version. Always check as prices on Amazon as they can often vary.

About this book 

About the Author 

Talan Skeels-Piggins, wrote this book based on his life after becoming paralysed in a motorbike accident. At the time of his accident he was a full time PE teacher and former Lieutenant in the Royal Navy, as well as having been a member of the Royal Navy Ski team.

It was whilst in hospital recovering that he decided that his aim would be to be a sit-skier and take part in the Paralympics. He not only achieved this but then went on to be the first paraplegic motorbike rider, and went on to race in able bodied races, as well as then going on to teach other’s with paralysis how to ride adapted motorbikes.

From his experiences he has written his first children’s book, that tackles, the often not spoken about disability of paralysis, and how he overcame all of his struggles to become the Olympian he is today.

About the Illustrator 

Natascha Taylor, lives and works in London, UK as a Creative Director, Designer and Illustrator. As well as illustrating books, she is also an author of many. Her books are inspired by her daughters, with stories she hopes will encourage and enlighten young and old readers alike.

As an artist, she likes to reflect and interpret the world around her, and this is often visible within her illustrations. In this particular book by Talen Skeels-Piggins, she has tried to create a visual interpretation based on the simplicities of childhood in a hope to connect with the children that will be reading and become inspired by this story.

Review by: Lex Ward

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*We were sent a copy of the book in return for a feature. All opinions are our own.