Calibre Audio and Bonnier Books create audiobook to inspire children with learning differences and disabilities

National audiobook charity Calibre Audio has partnered with Bonnier Books UK to produce a pioneering audio version of Patrick Kane and Samuel Rodriguez’s book, Human 2.0, a fascinating celebration of medical engineering and human bionics.

The audiobook uses a unique approach and clever soundscapes to bring the text and the stunning imagery to life for those who can’t read a printed book. From cochlear implants and pacemakers, to bionic arms and legs, the book highlights Paralympians Richard Whitehead and Blake Leeper, and the world’s first ‘cyborg’, Neil Harbisson, to show what is already possible and what the future holds for humanity.

This is the first time that Calibre Audio and Bonnier have worked together and it was the perfect first project. Emma Scott, Director of Commissioning and Editorial at Calibre Audio, said:

“We were delighted to work together to ensure this book is available in an accessible format. Its uplifting and inspiring message is so relevant for Calibre Audio’s members who all face the challenges of print disability – whether that is a physical condition that prevents them holding a book, a visual impairment or a difficulty in comprehending lines of written text.”

Author Patrick Kane is also delighted that the book will be accessible for all. He said:

“It is my hope that this audiobook (and the physical book itself) will inspire the next generation of children with disabilities to realise their exciting place in the world and teach children everywhere what it means to be human.”

Patrick grew up with the challenges of disability having contracted meningococcal septicaemia when he was just 9 months old. This caused tissue damage and he had his right leg amputated below the knee, along with all the fingers on his left hand and the second and third fingers of his right hand. He learned to walk on a prosthetic leg at the age of 14 months and became the youngest person in the world to be fitted with a bionic arm in 2010 when he was just 13.

With his personal experience, Patrick was ideally placed to research and write the book and the result is a positive, uplifting and inspiring read which although written primarily for children, is a must-read for all.

Marina Stavropoulou, who led the project as Senior Editor for Audio at Bonnier Books, described the challenge of creating an audio version of the book:

“We wanted to create something bold and beautiful using auditory stimuli to spark the imagination and supplement the beautiful illustrations. We chose a documentary narrative and sound design style which makes the audiobook a truly immersive experience.”

The audiobook of Human 2.0 is out now (ISBN: 9781800781689) and is available for Calibre Audio members as part of its collection of 15,000 audiobook titles. To find out more about the charity, its support for print disabilities and to sign up to join, please go to calibreaudio.org.uk.

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