Story Spark, the home of children’s storytelling, is proud to support the launch of a remarkable new storybook:
‘Santa’s Workshop: Where Everyone Belongs’.
Written by Susie Bennett and brought to life through Story Spark, the book is about the 25 magical days leading up to Christmas. Each day, Father Christmas introduces readers to a different member of his North Pole team, each with their own disability, each using their unique strengths as a superpower to help create Christmas joy.
This uplifting tale culminates in a powerful message about inclusion, belonging, and the extraordinary gifts every individual brings to the world. An extract:
“You see, my dears, the North Pole isn't magical because of the flying reindeer or the toy-making machines. It's magical because everyone belongs here. Different abilities mean different solutions, different creativity, and different kinds of wonderful. So the next time you meet someone who moves differently, talks differently, learns differently, or lives differently, remember my North Pole crew. Remember that disability isn't something to pity or fix. It's just part of the beautiful, diverse, magnificent world we live in.
Everyone has gifts to give. Everyone has joy to share. And everyone—EVERYONE—deserves to be included in the celebration. That's the true spirit of Christmas!”
Why This Matters
In a year marked by increasing division, this Christmas offers the perfect moment to come together around a message of inclusion and understanding. We believe Susie Bennett’s work deserves national recognition for the powerful way it uplifts and supports children with disabilities. Our goal is to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to discover her story, share its message of belonging, and join in celebrating the remarkable impact she is making.
Susie Bennett, the Author, said:
“I have cerebral palsy and scoliosis, which means my body works a little differently from other people's bodies. It became apparent: stories concerning children with disabilities, those utilising wheelchairs or walkers, or those moving uniquely within their environment, were scarce.”
“Everyone deserves to be the hero of their own amazing adventure. So I began searching for a way to bring these colourful, inclusive stories to life. That's when something incredible happened. I discovered Story Spark, a magical tool that could help turn ideas into beautiful
illustrations. Now I am writing story after story, tales of children who zoom through space in wheelchairs, heroes who solve mysteries with their service dogs by their side, and adventurers who climb mountains and discover treasures, each in their own unique way.”
Nima Amin, Founder and CEO of Story Spark, said:
“Story Spark was created with a simple belief at its core: to enable anyone to create their story. We are incredibly proud to support Susie in her inspiring mission to bring visibility, joy, and empowerment to children with disabilities. It is a reminder that in a world where you can be anything, we should be kind. This Christmas, let’s embrace kindness, celebrate inclusion, and make sure everyone in our communities feels they truly belong.”
About Susie Bennett
Susie is an accomplished author based in Stockton-on-Tees. Living with cerebral palsy and scoliosis has never held her back; instead, it has fuelled her determination to create meaningful stories. She has already published adult novels and has recently begun crafting children’s stories through Story Spark. Her mission is clear and powerful: to empower every child with a disability to feel confident in who they are and inspired by what they can achieve.
Susie is equally passionate about creating a lasting legacy. A dedicated supporter of the Royal British Legion, she marked Remembrance Sunday by writing ‘Thomas and the Poppy Field of Memories’, a heartfelt tribute that resonated deeply within her local community. The book was warmly received, earning recognition and support from the Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees.
You can see all her stories on her storytelling profile.
About Story Spark
Story Spark is a children's storytelling platform on a mission to inspire creativity and self belief in every child. We combine storytelling and technology to create high quality personalised storytelling experiences, which can also be printed in beautiful hardcover books.