Wiggling Words by Kate Rolfe: An Inspiring Story for Children With Dyslexia

For some, dyslexia can feel like an overwhelming source of despair and alienation in society. Yet, many highly successful individuals have not only thrived with the condition, but their achievements might surprise you. Wiggling Words by Kate Rolfe is a heartfelt effort to champion those with dyslexia, reminding us that there is nothing to be ashamed of.

Celebrities such as Salma Hayek, Keira Knightley, and Tom Cruise are among Hollywood’s brightest stars, and they too have dyslexia. Similarly, some of the greatest minds and talents in history, including Albert Einstein, Stephen Hawking, Leonardo da Vinci, and Pablo Picasso, were dyslexic.

Wiggling Words tells the inspiring story of a child lost in a forest of letters, encouraging children with dyslexia and other forms of neurodivergence to problem-solve and build confidence in their reading abilities. The book illustrates how challenges with words, especially action-packed verbs, can feel frustrating but also opens the door to creativity and fun. Skip, trip, fumble, and fall alongside the young protagonist as they realize that even though words can be tricky, they don’t have to be scary.

Written and illustrated by Kate Rolfe, a winner of the prestigious V&A Student Illustrator of the Year award and third-place recipient of the Macmillan Illustration Prize, Wiggling Words is a beautiful tribute to resilience and imagination. It’s a celebration of turning struggles into strengths, aimed at empowering children to embrace the joy of learning in their unique way.