Speaking after the launch of his latest work, the 81-year-old revealed how his concern over this major underrepresentation in literature was first peaked.
Blake, who provided illustrations for Roald Dahl’s beloved books, recalled being asked to submit pictures of children using mobility aids for an exhibition three years ago, and his shock at the lack of such images in children’s books.
The experience got Blake thinking, and he decided make some effort towards rectifying the situation in his next work.
“I just thought, well, we’ll just do it about them,” he said, recalling the inspiration for his new book.
The Five of Us tells the story of five children – who Blake describes as having “special abilities” – who rescue their bus driver when he falls ill during a day trip.
Speaking of his hopes for the book and the future of children’s literature, Blake said: "We can't have a quota and we can't have a token. But one day I hope it just comes naturally, it's not something I would have to think about."
