Back in September, we envisioned Carrot Tree in a picturesque, quaint, and cosy Christmas market. Sipping on mulled wine, eyes twinkling, and selling our books to you all. Unfortunately, things don’t always go to plan. James ended up in hospital and was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. So, we had to change our plans. Instead of us taking up shop in a Christmas market, we are launching our own ‘orange Thursday’ sale. Inspired by the Black Friday sales, ‘Orange Thursday’ is our own little take. With the colour of carrots, and the day of release being a Thursday, we invite you all to have a look atour inspiring little books. Our ‘Orange Thursday’ sale lasts from the 2nd December – 9th December, so get yours whilst stocks last! But first, let me introduce to you Amanda and James’s ‘In Conversation..’ 

On the eve of the launch of Carrot Tree’s ‘Orange Thursday' sale, we decided to interview both Amanda and James on how Carrot Tree came to be. We discussed the origins, ideas, and intentions of the bookstore, as-well-as discussing exactly how the books inspire children. 

So, Amanda and James talk me through the beginning, how did your bookstore come about? 

“We found these books in a lovey gift shop near Newmarket a couple of years ago. The first book we bought was Stephen Hawkins, a marvellous scientist. This is a subject James is really interested in. It was great to read about his early life and what he became. I had watched the film, but the book was equally interesting. Although the books are designed for primary children, I know many adults who love them. I work in Recruitment & HR, and I wanted to introduce a book to young people to show them that famous people were young once and it all started with a dream. I speak to so many people who do not know what theywant to do or have been in a career for many years and want to do something else – yet don’t know what. It’s an early careers lesson without the textbook feel.” 

What was the intention behind it? 

“We set thebookstore up as a ‘pop up’ for Autism Acceptance month in April 2021 as analternative way to raise awareness, increase education, and give James anexperience of working in an industry that he may like to work in the future(try before you buy?). James worked alongside me to give ideas for the website,packing each night after school and getting involved with personal deliveriesfor local orders. It gave him that sense of work, consistency, quality,customer service. One of his friends at the time was not having a great time atschool so we invited him to come to work for one day on the holidays (paid) and take his mind off his other stuff. He had a great day and a lovely night’s sleep (message from Mum).” 

And the name, where does ‘Carrot Tree’ come from? 

“Carrots –My mum always told me to eat my carrots and I would be able to see in the dark.That’s how a lot of people describe their career search (I work in Recruitment& HR) when I’m talking to them in work, they don’t know what they want to do. A tree is a great symbol for growth, branches, roots, so basically the two words together produce that light by giving someone a clearer idea of what theywant to do by reading and trying different jobs, look at what you love to doand what people tell you are great at.” 

What do you want children to learn from these books? 

“That reading is enjoyable. Feeling the pages turn gives you that much needed timeaway from a screen. The main message though, is that there is a whole world out there – dream to be whatever you want to be and work hard! It can happen! Don’t let anyone tell you to settle. Robbie Wiliams was told by his teacher that wewould not amount to much. I bet that teacher wishes they had a fraction of what he has.” 

Amanda, with only 16% of autistic people in full-time employment, what can people, governments,and industries do to help increase this rate? Is there something we are missing? 

“There is lots of training available through local councils, charities giving introductions to autism. People, employers, and communities need to have a clearer and more accurate understanding of Autism and then focus on the individuals’ strengths and interests not their weaknesses.”   

James, how is it doing your work experience for carrot tree? 

“It’s been good.”   

How has the book business been treating you? 

“Good.”   

I heard you had ambitions to write a book, can you tell us how it’s going? 

“It’s still in development because I have a couple of other projects first. It’s on hold.”   

What have you learnt from working at the bookstore? 

“How to pack books and use printers, coordination, and marketing.”   

What didyou spend your first pay packet on, James? 

“Lego and more Lego!”