In 1993 Beyond Words published Peter's New Home, a picture story about a young man moving from his family home to a new group home. Now, 30 years later, we have released a brand new edition to reflect changes in society, complete with updated resources and information.
In the 80s and 90s, when Peter's New Home was first published, group homes were much larger than they are today. Now, with better understanding and improved conditions, people are much more likely to live alone or with just two or three housemates. Our story has been changed to reflect that - as well as the fact that housemates and friends may be from all kinds of different backgrounds. We were delighted that our wonderful artist Beth Webb, who drew the original pictures for the book, was able to work with us to update the art.
With the last edition published when our small charity was just beginning, some of the resources and supporting information in the book were also out of date. We've worked with experts to overhaul this section of the book, bringing it up to the modern day.
The book, while more effectively reflecting the reality of people living in the 2020s, is otherwise unchanged. The story is designed to help people with intellectual disabilities make a happy transition to a new home. Peter finds that living with his new friends is fun, but many jobs previously done by Mum now have to be shared among them. In this book Peter goes through all the traumas and thrills of getting ready to move. He likes his new home but not everything is rosy. He makes mistakes and has quarrels, but he discovers that people care and understand, and want to help him feel at home.
We hope you will enjoy the updated edition of Peter's New Home. To purchase your own copy, visit our bookshop.