Jonathan Brocklehurst is a Community Specialist Podiatrist for Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust and the father of three young children with a fourth on the way.  

His new children’s book, ‘Grandpa, where are your shoes?’ explores diabetes, foot health and the role of podiatrists through the eyes of a child. He spoke to The New Podiatrist about the inspiration behind the story, the challenges of writing for young readers and why awareness of podiatry should start early. 

Where did the idea for the book come from? 

The book was born out of my work as a practising podiatrist, working full-time with the NHS. For some years now, patients living with diabetes have expressed a desire for something they can share with their families to explain what people living with diabetes go through every day.

Why was it important to tell this story through a child's eyes? 

I put children at the heart of the story because children are very observant. They are often the first to notice that something is missing or doesn’t seem right, like a lost shoe or sock.   

As young carers, they often play an important role in preventative footcare and I was keen to shed light on that. 

As a father to three young boys, with a baby girl on the way, I also wanted to contribute to my children’s education, as well as that of my patients. 

How did your clinical background influence the story?

I’ve worked with some inspiring clinicians in community hospitals, foot protection clinics and multidisciplinary foot teams. I was keen to highlight some of the work podiatry teams do – particularly wound care and offloading. 

What do you hope your young readers will take away from it? 

The book focuses on the impact of type 2 diabetes on foot health and the important role podiatrists play in the prevention of complications. I hope this shines through to young readers. 

How does your book help in raising awareness of podiatry more broadly? 

There is a real need to continue raising awareness of podiatry in our communities and schools.  

My sincere hope is that this book contributes to the amazing work being done to showcase podiatrists’ role in the prevention of diabetes-related foot complications. 

What was it like writing your first book? 

I was pleasantly surprised at how much fun it was. It helped having an excellent publishing team and coordinator to guide me through the process. 

What has the response from patients and families been? 

The response from patients and families has been overwhelming. 

I recently spoke at my eldest son's primary school assembly, where pupils engaged enthusiastically with the topic. 

They also bravely shared their own stories. After reading the book, many spoke openly about family members living with type 2 diabetes and the ways they already support them every day. 

Learning about preventative footcare in diabetes was a real lightbulb moment for many of the children. It's exciting to think about the positive impact this knowledge could have on future generations as well as today's patients. 

About the interviewee 

Jonathan Brocklehurst is a Community Specialist Podiatrist at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, an honorary tutor at Cardiff University School of Medicine and a visiting lecturer at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. He is the author of the children's book Grandpa, where are your shoes? 

Links and references 

Grandpa, where are your shoes? is published on 7 August 2026 and is available through major booksellers.