Ketchup Kid

Ketchup Kid Synopsis

A new accessible and inclusive series to support diverse needs.

Some days, you just want to disappear.

Henry feels that way. A lot.

Everyone at school knows him as 'Ketchup' thanks to his inconvenient habit of blushing like a tomato.

He keeps his head down, stays out of sight, and hopes no-one notices.

At his grandad's home, things are different. He's seen. He's heard. He can just be Henry.

But when a charity gig needs last-minute performers, Henry's pushed into the spotlight. Is it time to finally show the world who he really is?

Every story starts with an open book.

'Open book is designed not just to help children get through a book - it's to help them feel success and most importantly, to feel the joy of being a reader' Dr Sarah Moseley

• Developed to be accessible, the books in this series are especially supportive for children with diverse needs, including autism, ADHD, speech and language challenges (SLCN), dyspraxia and more.
• Simple images at the start of each chapter make unfamiliar words clear, helping readers build confidence and enjoy reading independently with understanding.
• Supportive layouts with short chapters and predictable structure.
• Carefully crafted to balance readability with rich, compelling storytelling, helping more children experience the joy and confidence of independent reading.
• High interest but age-appropriate to ensure engagement and challenge.
• Off-white paper for reduced visual load.
• Dyslexia-friendly fonts and spacing.

Dr Sarah Moseley is an Educational Adviser, author, researcher, and keynote speaker specialising in literacy, SEND, neurodiversity, and inclusive practice. With over 25 years of experience across mainstream, specialist, and alternative education, she supports schools, trusts, and organisations to create ambitious, accessible learning environments that remove barriers, raise aspirations, and enable every learner to thrive. Combining research, leadership, and classroom expertise, Sarah bridges theory and practice to deliver practical, evidence-informed approaches that improve participation, achievement, and outcomes for all learners.

Particularly suitable for readers aged 9+ with diverse needs.

This series brings together engaging, character-led stories with thoughtful, inclusive design to support a wide range of readers.

Why not check out other titles in Scholastic's Open Book series!