From Friendship to Publishing: How ReadAbilities Champions Neurodivergent Kids
Interview with ReadAbilities: Creating Inclusive Stories
Jenny Mouse chats with Samantha Clusiau-Lawlor and Renée Tessier, the Ottawa-based moms and co-founders of ReadAbilities Publishing House. Together, they’re creating children’s books that celebrate neurodiversity and help every child see themselves in the stories they read.
1. Tell me about yourself.
We’re Samantha and Renée, two moms from Ottawa who first met in high school—over 15 years ago! Between us, we have four kids: Samantha has a 4-year-old son, and Renée has a 3-year-old son plus two daughters, ages 5 and 7. Our friendship and shared experiences as parents fuel our passion for what we do with ReadAbilities.
2. What inspired you to start ReadAbilities?
We started ReadAbilities after noticing a real gap in children’s literature, there just weren’t enough stories where neurodivergent kids could see themselves reflected naturally. Too often, books that did feature neurodivergent characters focused on how they were “different.” We wanted to change that narrative and create stories where neurodivergent children are simply themselves, with their unique perspectives celebrated as part of the story.
3. Tell me about the books you have published.
We currently have two published books, each available in both English and French. Adventure with Moose, which we co-wrote, follows Moose, a character with autism, as he prepares to meet a friend at the park. The story invites readers to see the world through Moose’s eyes. Our second book, The Bath... and Beyond!, was written by Ottawa mom Adrienne Himes, and we had the pleasure of illustrating and publishing it. It’s a whimsical journey of a drop of bathwater as it travels down the drain after bath time.
4. What inspired you to write each of the books?
Adventure with Moose was inspired by a family member who works with neurodivergent children, especially those with autism. We wanted to capture some of those real-life experiences in a story. The Bath... and Beyond! came from a bedtime tale Adrienne would tell her own kids when they wondered where bathwater goes after the tub is drained.
5. Tell me about the writing process, how long did it take to write your book, and what steps were involved?
The process for Adventure with Moose took about a year from brainstorming to publication. As new moms juggling work and family, it was a learning curve! We started with a brainstorming session, drafted the story, and then went through rounds of editing, illustration, and design before finally publishing.
6. What inspired you to become a publishing company?
As two new authors, we knew we couldn’t count on the big publishers to come knocking. Samantha’s background in publishing helped us take the leap and start our own company. The best part is that we can bring our vision to life, creating books that truly resonate with neurodivergent children and their families.
7. How does your publishing model work? Is there any expense to the author publishing with you?
We start by meeting with potential authors to make sure our visions align. If it’s a good fit, we sign a contract and begin the publishing process, which includes editing, layout, illustration, and revisions. There is an initial investment from the author to help cover some of these costs, but they also receive a share of the profits from their book and related materials. We offer a variety of packages to suit different needs, including support with translation and supplementary products.
8. What kind of book submissions do you accept? If someone is interested in publishing with you, what steps should they take?
We’re focused on children’s literature that centers neurodivergent experiences. If your story touches on this theme, we’d love to hear from you! The best first step is to schedule a call with us to see if we’re the right fit for your project.
9. What services do you offer your authors?
We offer a range of publishing packages, all of which include the essential steps to get your book published and available on our website. Depending on the package, we can provide additional support with editing, illustration, translation, and more.
10. What is your future dream for ReadAbilities?
Our dream is to keep growing and expanding our library. We’re currently working on a new book featuring a character with ADHD, and we’ve already had requests for stories about dyslexia, anxiety, and bullying. We want to keep creating books that reflect the diverse experiences of neurodivergent children.
11. Is there anything else you want to share about ReadAbilities?
We love connecting with families at in-person events, especially the Parent and Child Expo where we’re regular vendors. Hearing your stories and sharing experiences about neurodiversity means so much to us. And keep an eye out, we have a brand new book coming early next year!
Want to learn how stories can inspire confidence in young writers? Check out our latest post, “Helping Kids with Dysgraphia Find Joy in Writing.”
Celebrate neurodiversity and help children learn more about how their brains work! Check out our Brian the Brain book series in our store today.