Vie Portland, Author
During the pandemic, Vie achieved her ambition of writing a book! Well, actually, she wrote three books and she’s working on more!
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She has written two children’s books, Where Are We Going? and Who Am I?, and a book for adults,
La Vie Est Belle.
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A huge part of Vie’s work with the CIC is about acceptance and inclusion, and that shows in her books.
Book readings
Where Are We Going? and Who Am I?
Vie's children’s books are about the adventures of Emily, a little girl who loves to go on lots of wonderful, imaginary, adventures with her mum and her cat. Emily has a visible difference but this is not the main focus of the story. Being disabled herself, Vie understands and appreciates the importance of awareness-raising books; however, she also realises that they can point out our “other-ness”; with studies indicating that many children often won’t make friends with someone who looks different to them, whether that be because of weight, disability, or disfigurement. Vie feels it is important to show that we all have far more in common that that which makes us different, encouraging readers to be more accepting of themselves and others.
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Ideal for Reception and Key Stage 1 and 2
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Vie's two children's books, Where Are We Going? and Who Am I? are great for Reception, and key stages one and two. Vie loves to read the stories, encourage conversation, and have at least an activity or two. These sessions are fun, vibrant, often loud and silly, and full of love, incorporating some of the self esteem and confidence work she does in her workshops and talks. All Vie's books are available to buy in the shop.
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Pricing
One class session (up to one hour): £80
Half day: £200
Full day: £280
Travel costs to be discussed.
La Vie Est Belle
La Vie Est Belle is the book Vie wishes was available when she needed it. It’s partly her story of how, and why, she hated herself and how she looked, to being who she is now: happy and confident. In the book, Vie also shares how she taught herself to love who she is, as she is, and gives tips and encouragement to help the reader do the same.
Vie loves doing book readings of "La Vie" and enjoys combining them with some empowerment exercises; her story sometimes causes tears but people always leave smiling.
Pricing: Please enquire