Author seeks blind boost

THE author of The Gruffalo is backing a drive to have more stories published in accessible formats to give blind or partially sighted children the chance to enjoy the same books as their peers.

Julia Donaldson, appointed Children’s Laureate in May, will launch a braille and audio version of one of her favourite stories at the Edinburgh International Book Festival today.

The author will read from Freddie and the Fairy at an event organised by the Royal National Institute of Blind People Scotland, opened by Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop.