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Representation in storytelling and exploring self-belief with Lucy Edwards
Primary Times catches up with content creator and disability campaigner Lucy Edwards, ahead of her exciting new children’s book release ‘Ella Jones vs The Sun Stealer’
Can you tell us a little bit about how you brought your story to life? Have you enjoyed it, is this your first children's book?
Yes, I've really enjoyed it, it has been amazing to work with my co-author Katy Birchall. I have had this story in my mind for years and years, knowing that I have wanted to create a world where all the lights go out and the main character is blind and able to navigate in the darkness, but I didn't want Ella to be a superhero. I wanted children who were losing their eyesight or growing up blind to have a role model in Ella and for her to just be a normal kid. When I was growing up stories did not have authentic representations of blindness, and I did not see myself within storybooks which made me feel ostracised and for me, writing this story has been full of so many emotions. This story is built from my own lived experience, Ella is so based on me. When I was a young person, losing my eyesight, I wanted to be independent and as thoughtful as her. I was also a big fantasy reader as a kid – I loved Twilight! – and when I lost my eyesight completely aged 17, I moved onto audiobooks to continue to enjoy storytelling. I’m so proud to have combined my lived experience of being blind with my love of fantasy books.
How would you sum up Ella Jones vs The Sun Stealer in a few sentences?
If you love Percy Jackson you will love Ella Jones! She is the core of the story, a blind girl who is so independent and thoughtful and courageous and determined and she along with her guide dog Maisie, her sister Poppy and best friend Finn are on a mission to save humanity from a God that is plunging the world into darkness. Ella is the key to saving the day, she shows the true resilience in her heart. We have mixed fantasy and true family friendships and adventure all in one.
What is your favourite thing about creating a blind protagonist?
I think my favourite thing about creating a blind protagonist is what drives me, the people that watch my videos and express that they do not feel represented in our media. I felt that so deeply that it drove me to create such an amazing character like Ella. She is everything I wanted to be when I was 12.
What message would you like people to take away from the book?
With a great support network you can get through anything, but it proves that blind people can be independent and courageous and have an adventure just like anybody else. Ella faces challenges by digging deeper and fighting things emotionally and physically that adults and sighted kids cannot comprehend. When you have a disability, society thinks it holds you back but Ella believes the opposite.
What inspires you to keep shooting for your dreams?
I had so little confidence growing up and I want to tell people that half the battle in your mind is telling yourself that you cannot do something. Maybe I didn’t believe in myself when I first lost my eyesight but I think as I have grown up and got older your thoughts are what make you and what lives in your mind is so important for your ability to do things. I have had discrimination over the years and still do now but it is how I have picked myself up and got through the failures. It really is that belief in myself that drives me forward to keep dreaming and I do believe in a world where we can fulfil our dreams no matter our ability.
Ella Jones vs The Sun Stealer - is this one book?
It is going to be an amazing adventure at least for another story – look out for it in October! Ella Jones vs The Sun Stealer is the first in a series - with the second releasing autumn 2025!
‘Ella Jones vs The Sun Stealer’ by Lucy Edwards and written in collaboration with children’s author Katy Birchall is out now, published by Scholastic.
Photography © David Reiss and Ollie Edwards-Cave
Illustrations © Caroline Garcia
Cover illustration: Two Dots