The multimillion-selling interactive children’s book series You Choose has surpassed 2.5 million sales and been translated into 18 languages after initially being rejected by nine publishers due to its unconventional format, per independent.com.
Authored by Pippa Goodhart and illustrated by Nick Sharratt, the series pioneered a choice-driven narrative where readers construct unique scenarios from brightly coloured visual spreads rather than following a traditional linear plot.
The concept was conceived by Goodhart while raising her children, but faced widespread rejection before an editor at Random House, now part of Penguin, recognized its potential and paired her with Sharratt, renowned for illustrating Jacqueline Wilson’s novels.
The debut title, You Choose, was published 23 years ago and initially relied on word-of-mouth recommendations and the advocacy of Bookstart founder Wendy Cooling rather than major awards or reviews. Despite initial production hurdles, including Sharratt teaching himself digital illustration for the project, the franchise has expanded significantly.
The latest installment, You Choose Party Time, was released in August 2026, featuring inclusive elements such as British Sign Language guidance. A board book edition titled You Choose Nursery is scheduled for release next year. Beyond home reading environments, the books are widely utilised by speech therapists and educators to foster language development, encourage social interaction, and engage reluctant speakers.