My Mummy Couldn't Read

“My Mummy Couldn't Read ” was nominated for a Saskatchewan Book Awards for “Book of the Year” (2008).

“My Mummy Couldn’t Read” is resource for all ages. It can help elementary students learn to ask for help if they are struggling with learning. Children can read the book to their parents who might struggle with literacy. These parents can realize that there are places that they can go to receive help and understand that they are not alone when it comes to struggling with reading and it’s never too late to learn.

Carey understood at an early age that she had reading difficulties. Even though she loved books, she only liked them because of their beautiful illustrations. Carey felt very different as a child growing up because she just didn’t understand why everyone else could read except her. Carey’s biggest fear in life was being found out that she could not read. In school Carey thought up strategies to get out of reading out loud. The older she became the better her strategies became. Unfortunately all of this took away from her truly learning to read. She received her grade 12 Diploma, but was unable to read very well.

After high school she had a series of low paying jobs and accepted the she would have to be content with a sad future. When Carey became pregnant, she received a box of books as a gift for her unborn baby, and she realized that she couldn’t read the books. She understood that she needed to do something for her baby and her child’s future.

So she found a literacy tutor who has dedicated her time every Sunday to teach Carey to read. This one-on-one time with her tutor has enabled Carey to experience a life filled with opportunity and has taken her life in several new directions. Every challenge and obstacle she has gone through, she has also overcome. Her journey has guided her towards her deepest passions-- books and art. Combining them, she has become a self-published author and illustrator. Thinking that at first she just needed to learn for her son’s future, in the end it not only help his future, but Carey’s future as well.

Carey wants to share her story to help others who have never had reading or writing problems better understand what it is like for those that do. This little book has taken her across Canada sharing the importance of learning to read. It requires time and hard work, but one should never give up because the end results of literacy are amazing!!!

“My Mummy Couldn’t Read” may be geared towards children, but the book's impact is profound. Through her own words and illustrations, Carey Rigby-Wilcox weaves an autobiographical story of her own emotional journey towards literacy. I highly recommend this book for both kids and adults – the message is touching, the images are lovely, and the author's storytelling abilities gracefully pulled me into her world, making me crave more from this talented woman!"
– Wes Funk, author of Dead Rock Stars and Cherry Blossoms, host of the TV program Lit Happens