Every child is unique, but some come into the world with a spark that lights up everything and everyone around them. For us, that little spark is my grandson, Arthur-fondly known as Artie. Born with sensorineural hearing loss, Artie approaches life with the same spirit and joy as any other child, perhaps even more. His story is the heart of my children’s book, “Arthur and His Red Pocket Rockets.”
A LITTLE SUPERHERO
At 16 months old, Artie is already a little superhero in so many ways. He thrives on life at the farm, where every day is an adventure. Walks with his mummy to check on the sheep are a daily ritual he eagerly looks forward to. But it’s not just the sheep that capture his heart; his pet dog Cleo and his friendly cat are his constant companions, always ready for playdate.
Artie has an innate wanderlust, a love for the outdoors that’s evident every time he starts moving dirt with pure, unadulterated joy. Musical at heart, he fills the air with laughter and melody, spreading infectious energy that has our whole family learning sign language to communicate better with our little star.
WATCH HIM ZOOM
Lately, running around the farm has become Artie’s favorite speed. Watching him zoom around. Time spent with his cousins is another highlight, and their playful antics often make things wonderfully loud at Yanni and Poppi’s house. 
One of Artie’s biggest thrills is any chance to ride on Poppi’s quad. His eyes light up with sheer excitement when his daddy starts his motorbike or when he gets to ride on someone’s lap in the farm truck to check the paddocks. Every ride, every adventure, fills him with delight and curiosity about the world around him.
A little foodie, Artie loves his Vegemite sandwiches, and twirling hair has become his go-to comfort ritual, a little habit that never fails to bring a smile to our faces.
The inspiration for “Arthur and His Red Pocket Rockets” comes from one of his most remarkable attributes is his bright, red hearing aids-his “red pocket rockets.” These hearing aids aren’t just medical devices; they are symbols of his superpowers, giving him the ability to connect with the world around him in extraordinary ways. this very essence of Artie’s life- his love for adventure, his resilience, and the indisputable joy he brings into our lives. The aim of this book is to create awareness about sensorineural hearing loss, to show Artie and the world that we are his biggest advocates, and to leave a legacy of love, strength, and unending support.
