I wanted to write the book I wished I had when I was a child

Deaf actress Rose Ayling-Ellis talks about the book she's written for World Book Day, as the day's director suggests how to make reading fun for children. By LISA SALMON

- LISA SALMON

ROSE AYLING-ELLIS remembers dressing up as a fairy for World Book Day as a child.

And now she has written a children's book that's been specially selected for the day this Thursday.

The former EastEnders actress, who's been deaf since birth, became a household name in 2021 when she was Strictly Come Dancing's first deaf contestant, and winner. Since then, as well as starring in ITV drama Code of Silence, she's been writing children's books, and her sixth, The Big Bang!, has been chosen as a World Book Day 2026 choice.

The book is about a deaf kitten and his kitten friends who get scared by a storm. The kittens that can hear have to learn a new way to communicate with their deaf friend, who can't hear the thunder but is scared by the lightning.

Rose, 31, says she's "thrilled" her book has been selected for World Book Day, and adds: "I wanted to write the book that I wished I had when I was a child.

"I love creating. I have an artistic background, so the illustrations are my favourite part."

The book, which aims to teach the importance of helping others, especially those with disabilities, has been illustrated by award-winning author Paddy Donnelly.

"I'm lucky to have such an experienced team around me to help me realise my ideas," says Rose, who explains the book is "close to my heart" because the deaf cat, Casper, is based on her mum's childhood cat, and the other cats in the book are based on the cats Rose grew up with.

Stressing that World Book Day is about making reading accessible to all children and helping inspire their imagination, she says: "Books gave me that chance.