Brilliant Bea - by Shaina Rudolph & Mary Vukadinovich (Hardcover)

About the Book

Brilliant Bea is an endearing and empowering story that demonstrates that a learning difference like dyslexia doesn't define who you are.

Book Synopsis

An affirming story about dyslexia, creativity, and different ways of learning

Beatrice has big ideas and a wonderful imagination, but reading and writing can feel challenging. At school, it isn't always easy for others to recognize her strengths. When a thoughtful teacher introduces a new way for Beatrice to share her stories, she discovers that learning doesn't have to look the same for everyone.

This warm picture book celebrates creativity, problem-solving, and self-belief, showing children that dyslexia is just one part of who they are. With an encouraging message and a relatable classroom setting, the story supports conversations about learning differences, confidence, and recognizing individual strengths. The book is set in EasyReading, a dyslexia-friendly font, making it more accessible for emerging readers and readers who benefit from accessible text.

Key features:

• Positive Representation of Dyslexia Portrays a child with dyslexia whose creativity and storytelling are recognized and valued
• Strengths-Based Message Emphasizes self-belief, problem-solving, and honoring different ways of learning
• Supportive Learning Environment Highlights how understanding educators can help children share ideas and succeed in the classroom
• Accessible Design Set in EasyReading, a dyslexia-friendly font that supports readability for emerging readers and readers who benefit from accessible text
• Trusted Publisher From Magination Press, the children's imprint of the American Psychological Association, dedicated to emotional well-being and healthy development

Review Quotes

The teacher's supportive actions are wonderful to see, but even better is how the tape recorder helps Bea connect with her classmates. Printed in a dyslexia-friendly font, this affirming story about finding your feet and your voice is a lovely confidence booster for young readers, especially those who may learn differently.-- "Booklist"

This book succeeds as a story about dyslexia not because the characters spout definitions of dyslexia, but rather because the story opens a window into the mind of one dyslexic child, Bea, and shows readers how adults can make a significant impact on the emotional state, and therefore the education, of children with learning differences... A heartwarming story that will expand the understanding of dyslexia for children and adults.-- "School Library Journal"

A child with dyslexia gains confidence in herself... Appropriately, said text is set in a readable, sans-serif type to support dyslexic readers who might encounter her story... Affirming and helpful.-- "Kirkus Reviews"

About the Author

Shaina Rudolph is an author and educator in the Los Angeles area. She has worked alongside students with unique learning needs for the last 10 years. Shaina also co-authored All My Stripes: A Story For Children With Autism. Visit @ShainaRudolph_ on Instagram.

Mary Vukadinovich has been working with students with language-based differences for the last 16 years. As a learning specialist in Los Angeles, Mary values the opportunity to teach diverse learners, including students with dyslexia. Mary believes all her students can be successful, and she is constantly inspired by how brightly they shine. Visit @Mary_Vukadinovich on Instragram.

Fiona Lee is a children's book illustrator living in central Vermont. Her background in education and science illustration informs how she approaches all of her illustration projects today. Visit fionaleestudios.com,
@Fiona_LeeStudio on Twitter, and @FionaLee_Draws on Instagram.