These books were created with the desire to support, understand, and embrace the unique way each child discovers the world. For many families living with ADHD or autism, reading can become far more than a moment of learning: it can be a refuge, a bridge, and a deeply meaningful way to connect.
Through warm, clear, and relatable stories, these books aim to offer calm in the midst of noise, order when everything feels overwhelming, and safe spaces where each child can feel seen, respected, and understood. The words, illustrations, and rhythm of each page are thoughtfully designed to help sustain attention, spark curiosity, and encourage emotional understanding without becoming overwhelming.
Above all, these books hope to bring families closer together. They are meant to create shared moments on the sofa, gentle questions, knowing smiles, and conversations that are sometimes difficult to begin in everyday life. Because when a child feels supported in the way that child feels, thinks, and learns, something truly valuable begins to grow: confidence.
Sophie’s Corner was born from a personal story that has stayed with me for many years.
Around ten years ago, I had the privilege of meeting Ron Hall, co-author of Same Kind of Different as Me, at a spiritual breakfast in Anaheim. His message about homelessness, dignity, friendship, and compassion made a deep impression on me. At the time, I could relate to parts of his journey more than I might have expected. Like Ron in the early days of his story, I had not always understood the importance of reaching out to people whose lives had been damaged by homelessness, addiction, or hardship. Over time, that began to change in me.
I later invited Ron to the UK to speak on behalf of Everton in the Community, and I bought copies of the children’s edition of his book for my grandchildren, Alfie, Freddie, and Sophie. Ron very kindly signed the books personally to them.
That simple act of kindness has never left me.
Sophie has loved books since she was four years old, and now, as a young teenager, she brings warmth, imagination, and heart to the idea behind Sophie’s Corner. In many ways, this project brings together several threads of my own life journey: family, faith, compassion, recovery, and the belief that books can help people see one another differently.
Through Horizonte Proyecto Hombre Marbella, Sophie’s Corner is intended to encourage kindness, dignity, empathy, and hope. It is a small idea with a big heart: that books, stories, and shared understanding can help support people and families whose lives have been affected by addiction, hardship, and social exclusion.
For me, Same Kind of Different as Me is more than a book. It is part of the inspiration behind this vision, and a reminder that unconditional kindness can begin with one conversation, one act of generosity, or one person choosing to care.