By: Laura Bennett
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Laura wrote this story for a very brave little boy called William who had his legs and fingers amputated as a result of sepsis to help him come to terms with his differences and explain what had happened to his friends. Laura’s friend and artist Buster Fisher drew beautiful illustrations. This led to Laura receiving an award from the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust where she works as a clinical nurse specialist for children’s burns and plastic surgery, which was covered by East Midlands Today, BBC Breakfast News and the Nottingham Post.
"William's New Legs" is a children's picture book authored by Laura Bennett and illustrated by Buster Fisher. The narrative follows William and his best friend, Stinky Ted, who encounter a mischievous shark and crocodile while swimming, leading to William losing his legs. The resourceful William experiments with various replacement legs before discovering the perfect pair. This story addresses themes of friendship, limb loss, and recovery, aiming to help children understand and cope with physical differences. The book was inspired by a real-life boy named William who underwent amputations due to sepsis. Laura Bennett, a clinical nurse specialist in children's burns and plastic surgery, wrote the story to assist William in coming to terms with his experience and to explain it to his peers. The illustrations by Buster Fisher complement the narrative, making it accessible and engaging for young readers. "William's New Legs" has been well-received for its sensitive handling of a challenging subject, providing a valuable resource for families and educators discussing limb loss and recovery with children. The book is available in paperback and eBook formats from various retailers, including Barnes & Noble and Waterstones. Overall, "William's New Legs" is a heartfelt and educational story that offers comfort and understanding to children facing similar challenges, while promoting empathy and awareness among all young readers.
