The Story Behind Acorn Cottage PressAt Acorn Cottage Press, everything starts with a simple but powerful belief: every child deserves to see themselves reflected in the stories they read and the toys they play with. Founded by Katherine Lockwood, a passionate disability rights advocate, mental health therapist, and educator, the press emerged from her deep commitment to fostering disability representation in children’s literature.
Katherine’s personal journey has profoundly shaped her mission. Growing up with cystic fibrosis and diabetes, she knows firsthand how important it is to see disabled people succeed in all areas of life. Frustrated by the absence of meaningful representation, Katherine founded Acorn Cottage Press to create books and toys that celebrate disabled children as they are—vibrant, capable, and full of potential. Today, Acorn Cottage Press offers a range of picture books and toys designed to inspire all children, helping them see the beauty in their differences. |
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What Makes Acorn Cottage Press Different
We believe children's stories should reflect the real world — where every child is seen, valued, and celebrated.
Authentic RepresentationOur stories highlight children who are often missing from traditional books. We create characters that reflect the real experiences of children with disabilities and chronic illnesses so every child can feel seen.
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Stories That Build EmpathyOur books help children understand and appreciate differences. Through gentle storytelling, we encourage kindness, inclusion, and compassion for others.
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Inspired by Lived ExperienceAcorn Cottage Press was founded by Katherine Lockwood, whose experiences growing up with cystic fibrosis and diabetes inspire stories rooted in authenticity, resilience, and hope.
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About the FounderKatherine LockwoodKatherine Lockwood is a disability rights advocate, mental health therapist, and educator who founded Acorn Cottage Press to bring meaningful disability representation into children’s literature. Her work is rooted in the belief that every child deserves to see themselves reflected in the stories they read.
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