Window of Hope

A moving, inspirational story about compassion and accepting differences.A disabled girl finds comfort and love in a bird with one leg. Max is not interested in the bird because it’s broken. But when the bird performs different tricks to get Max’s attention, she soon realises that the bird is special.This book will show children that bad times and having a handicap does not mean the end of possibilities. Window of Hope will help teach children about resilience and the wonderful relationship with animals, even with disabilities.Children with a disability can use this book as a tool to ask questions needed to process their own trauma. This story will inspire children and show how animals with a disability can bravely give life a second chance.

Robert Vescio loves to read and is a self-confessed hoarder of books, especially children’s books. Robert enjoys writing stories and sharing his passion with children of all ages. Robert has worked in the publishing industry for more than 12 years as a Production Manager and a Photo Editor, working on a number of photographic magazines. He enjoyed sourcing photographic material from world-renowned photographers the ilkes of Mario Testino, Annie Leibovitz, Patrick Demarchelier and Jean-Baptiste Mondino. Two of his picture books, Finn and Puss and Eric Finds A Way were shortlisted in the 2018 CBCA Bilby Awards. Many of his short stories have been published in anthologies such as Packed Lunch, Short and Twisted, Charms Vol 1, The Toy Chest and The School Magazine NSW. He has won awards for his children’s writing including First Place in the 2012 Marshall Allan Hill Children’s Writing Competition and Highly Commended in the 2011 Marshall Allan Hill Children’s Writing Competition. Robert is a Books in Homes Role Model and enjoys visiting schools. His aim is to enthuse and inspire children to read and write and leave them bursting with imaginative ideas. .Robert is a BIG kid at heart! He is a huge fan of Disney and loves animation. He lives in Sydney and enjoys spending time with his children, who are an endless source of inspiration.

With a lifelong love of traditional stories, and anything magical or supernatural, Demelsa Haughton is influenced by stories far removed from real life, and endeavors to capture this in her paintings.  An early memory that perhaps influenced this was being convinced she had seen a two-headed llama at a zoo visit. Embarrassingly, she continued to believe this until well into her teens. It was a sad, sad day when reality became real. She loves to create a sense of possibility in her work, and hopes that the viewer can imagine themselves walking through a forest one day, where they might be lucky enough to stumble upon a cat enjoying a nice cup of tea, meeting a giraffe that will take them on a ride through the clouds over some springy macaron trees, or seeing a two headed llama... Demelsa lives in the UK with her 3 children and her wonderfully supportive teacher partner.