Bradford Literature Festival 2025 saw the launch of Diego’s Team, a children’s book by local author, Pauline Brown, at Waterstones Bradford. Brown hosted two Meet the Author events, including a reading and craft session for SEND pupils from Co-op Academy Delius. Every child left not only inspired by the story but also with their very own copy of the book to take home.
Diego’s Team follows the charming tale of Diego, a playful young alpaca who just wants to join in the fun. When the other animals say he’s too different to play their games, Diego must find the courage to be himself – and soon shows everyone the true meaning of friendship and teamwork. Brown’s gentle and inspiring story celebrates inclusion, kindness, and the joy of play.
Pauline Brown is a former support worker for homeless people, families in crisis, and the courts, and turned her love of community, kindness and local wildlife into a series of children’s stories, Oscar’s Farm, which includes Oscar’s Farm, The Accident, The Birth, The Mystery, and Diego’s Team.
Following her event at Bradford Literature Festival, Pauline Brown, said: “What an absolute privilege to share my book launch and first reading in this country with pupils from Delius SEN School. Using ‘Oscar’s Farm’ characters in this story about inclusion, it was particularly fitting to read for this group of amazing children, and experiencing that wonderful open children’s area within Waterstones was a special treat; a new environment where the children felt welcome. [It was] so refreshing to see the children excited, animated, interested and benefiting through accessing this resource. Hopefully many more youngsters will be able to benefit from similar events like this in our city, where youngsters with additional needs feel a sense of belonging.“
Diego’s Team was written in collaboration with International Mixed Ability Sports (IMAS), an organisation which recognises the right of everyone to participate in community sport and benefit from its transformational power. The book is based on the experiences of a Bradford Mixed Ability rugby participant who has Prader Wili syndrome and Learning Difficulties, and was excluded from games as a child but later benefitted from being a part of IMAS.
Diego’s Team has reached international audiences, with the Spanish edition now launched in Pamplona at the International Mixed Ability tournament.
Discover books by Pauline Brown Find out more: BLF Projects