Dr. Ranj Singh needs no introduction. An NHS paediatrician, BAFTA winning TV Presenter, author and columnist, Dr. Ranj has been omnipresent in his campaign to ensure Britons looked after their physical and mental health. Now, as Britain is in a month-long national lockdown 2.0, he has taken a step further in celebrating and honouring the contributions of all the key frontline workers who served the nation while coronavirus continued to wreak havoc across the world. In his first children’s picture book ‘A Superhero Like You’, he aims to inspire confidence in every child to retain that faith in their abilities and belief that they too can be “superheroes”. Asian Voice caught up with Dr. Ranj about his latest publication:
Can you tell us a bit about your new book? Why did you write a children’s book focusing on key workers?
A Superhero Like You is a story about a little girl who wants to be a superhero. Not one that wears underpants outside their trousers, but a real-life superhero who helps make the world a better place. It’s a lovely little tale that aims to celebrate the work of front-line and key workers who have kept us going throughout the coronavirus pandemic - a little way of saying thank you! I also wanted this book to inspire little ones to think that, no matter who you are/where you are from/what your ability is, you too can be a real-life superhero.
How do you hope ‘A Superhero Like Me’ will inspire children?
I feel very strongly about representation, so we have tried to make this book as appealing to as many different kinds of children as possible. No matter your gender, background, race or ability, I want every child to feel empowered and excited by this story. It was important for the main character to be a girl of colour for this very reason. Plus, we highlight people of different appearances and abilities throughout the book too. I want this book to encourage all children to aim high and live their best lives.
How do you think the coronavirus crisis has transformed people’s views on key workers?
As the saying goes, in any crisis, look for the people that are helping. The same applies for the coronavirus crisis. It has made us realise how much we need key workers and how essential they are to our everyday lives. And it’s made people realise that it’s not just the obvious front-line staff like police or health workers. It’s also postal workers, teachers, supermarket staff, care home workers and many others who keep us all going.
How were you first inspired to get into medicine?
I have always been interested in science and working out what makes things tick. At the same time, I’ve always loved helping people out. So, I suppose medicine was a logical choice in combining both interests. However, I never thought I could do something like medicine because I didn’t really have any examples of role models. It was only when someone encouraged me to aim high and do my best that I actually thought: hang on, this might just be possible! That’s been my motto since: give it a go, give it your best shot, and see what happens! It’s helped me throughout my medical, TV and writing careers to date!
How has being part of the key worker community been for you?
I find it a huge honour to be part of such a wonderful group of people, and do my bit. The pandemic has made us realise just how important and essential key workers are, and we should continue to value them long after this is all over.
A Superhero Like You by Dr Ranj Singh, Illustrated by Liam Darcy published on 12th November 2020 by Hodder Children’s Books, £6.99
