Falling in Love

This is a book about two people who are introduced by friends. Mike and Janet get on well and enjoy doing things together. They decide they want to live together, but initially their families try to discourage them. This love story traces the ups and downs of their relationship, until they are able to make a commitment to each other. Readers can identify with Mike and Janet, and use the book as a starting point to explore their own relationships, and the role of families, friends and carers in supporting them. Few picture books are available for adults and adolescents who cannot read or who have difficulty reading. Fewer still provide information and address the emotional aspects of difficult events like the Books Beyond Words series. Each specially commissioned book actively addresses the problems of understanding that people with learning and communication difficulties experience. The stories are told through colour illustrations, helping readers to cope with events such as going to the doctor, bereavement, sexual abuse and depression. The stylized drawings include mime and body language to communicate simple, explicit messages to the reader. People with learning disabilities trial the pictures before publication to ensure that they can be readily understood. Each title in this award-winning series (Book Trust Read Easy Awards 1990 and 1994) can be used as a counselling or educational resource.