Getting primary-age pupils and their parents to start thinking about the possibilities of jobs in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) can be a challenge.
Step forward children’s author Natalie Reeves Billing who – with the backing of Connected Places Catapult – has created a story called ‘The Animates’ which carries the subtitle ‘Invention is for everyone’. The idea links with the Catapult’s aims of developing inclusive innovation beyond STEM to ‘STEAM’ (including Arts), while also serving to promote levelling-up and spreading opportunity and prosperity from the innovation economy.
The 24-page rhyming picture book follows the adventures of six animals who work together to build a clubhouse and win a competition to blast into outer space. Their adventure demonstrates how innovation is an inclusive activity; involving many different types of characters with various skills and needs.