Trails of Tales book publishing project
This creative publishing project brings together two internationally acclaimed artists, an award winning
author, and a university committed to inclusive literacy, working alongside children
from Pledge schools to publish a new picture book that centers on authentic representation of
culture and identity. Led by Richard O’Neill MBE and in partnership with Michelle Russell,
Shamus McPhee and STEP, this Trails of Tales publishing project is built around an original story written
by Richard My Friend Lives in a Spaceship. Rooted in lived Traveller experience and told
through the imaginative lens of childhood friendship, the story explores movement, identity, belonging, and the power
of seeing the world differently. Children will collaborate in monthly in-person and virtual workshops to explore how a real book is created, from manuscript to printed publication, while contributing ideas, artwork, and creative responses that shape the final book. All schools can follow the journey online. The book will launch during National Storytelling Week 2027.
We want children from minoritised and marginalised communities, especially those from Traveller communities, to see themselves positively reflected in literature, and to go one step further by having a hand in creating that positive representation.