Tommy Jessop – författare

Little Tommy loves to play pretend but how will he feel when he takes part in his very first school play?This joyful picture book is all about giving every child their chance to shine. The story perfectly captures all the happy chaos of the classroom and the moment when a little boy, who is destined to become a star, first steps onto the stage. As rain starts to fall and the stage begins to wobble everyone works together because the play must go on!And by the end, Tommy loves his time on stage so much that the real challenge will be encouraging him to let the play end!Tommy Jessop is a man on a mission to tell children living with Down syndrome they are special too. Their extra chromosome makes them extra good company. He is also a multi-award-winning actor. Tommy was the first professional actor with Down syndrome to play a leading role in a primetime TV drama, BBC1’s BAFTA nominated Coming Down the Mountain and the first to play Hamlet. He is perhaps best-known for his role in Line of Duty. He recently led Panorama’s documentary, ‘Will the NHS Care for Me?’ Tommy is an ambassador for Mencap and an active campaigner for people with learning disabilities.This story remembers the day Tommy himself discovered that being on stage was where he felt truly alive. And, like the little Tommy in the story, Tommy Jessop wants every child to find their passion and to share in the fun. Tommy's sister, Cara Jessop, helped him write this, his very first children's picture book. The gorgeous illustrations are by Carolina Rabei. Tommy says about the illustrations: "They make me feel warm inside!"

'I can't recommend it highly enough' STEPHEN FRY | 'Everyone needs to hear his voice' MARK HADDONI'm a man on a mission to show that life with Down syndrome can be exciting and is worth living, so that other people understand and give us the chance to live life to the full and to be fulfilled.Tommy Jessop's acting career spans Line of Duty, multi-award winning roles in short films, various roles on television and the stage. From his emotional role in the hit BBC series, to playing Hamlet on stage, and through his campaigning, Tommy has created real change. He has been at the vanguard of bringing awareness of the need for opportunities and the real potential of people living with Down syndrome to the media, the general public and to government.A Life Worth Living is Tommy's story and Tommy's philosophy in his own words. This uplifting read will resonate with anyone who is facing a challenge and has been especially highly praised by families and friends of people living with Down syndrome who find it immensely encouraging.