From Vogue model to author; Ellie Goldstein on raising children to follow their hopes and dreams

Ellie Goldstein is certainly no stranger to breaking barriers. From being the first model with Down Syndrome to feature on the cover of Vogue to becoming an author, her journey has been one of defying odds and overcoming challenges, with great success. For a young woman who was all but written-off at birth when doctors told her parents she’d never walk or talk, her success is even more inspiring. As she prepares to launch her new children’s book, Ellie, on 20th September, Mother&Baby spoke to Ellie to find out what we can learn from her journey and how parents can help their children to shine, whatever their challenges.

Ellie: promoting diversity and positivity

Ellie Goldstein is already familiar with the publishing world, having written her first book, Against All Odds: My life with Down Syndrome as part of Katie Piper’s series, UnSeen. Her latest, Ellie, is an equally inspiring children’s book aimed at young readers of all abilities.

“The idea to write my own children’s book came from Against All Odds. We thought it would be amazing for children to read my story,” Ellie explains. But her book isn’t just about her life—it's about showing children that they can achieve their dreams, no matter their circumstances.

“I hope the message from reading my book will be that any child, with or without a disability, can achieve what they want and follow their hopes and dreams,” she says.

Overcoming the odds, one step at a time

It’s her own personal story that weaves through the book that makes Ellie such an authentic and deeply inspiring read for all children, regardless of their abilities. Ellie draws from her own life, and the people in it who have helped her to achieve so much. “All the characters are based on my family, my dance teacher, and my school,” she says. Ellie’s passion for dance and performance, which began at a young age, is a prominent theme throughout the book. “I always loved drama and dance and started at a very young age which helped my confidence” she tells us. The doctors thought Ellie would never walk, but she's gone on to dance at the Royal Opera House and is studying performing arts at college so it's safe to say, she proved them wrong!

Down Syndrome: Representation matters

For Ellie, representation is key—not just for children with Down Syndrome, but for all kids. “It’s important for children to see more diversity in books,” Ellie emphasises. “Especially as children like me rarely get to see anyone who looks like them.” She recently partnered with Mattel to promote their first Down Syndrome Barbie that launched in April 2023 to celebrate diversity, and when asked what she hopes children with Down Syndrome will take away from reading her book, Ellie’s response is simple but profound: “I hope they feel encouraged and confident.”

It's not just children that can feel empowered by her book. She hopes it will send a powerful message to parents, too: that with love, support, and belief, their children can achieve anything.

“I want to teach parents that their children can succeed and give a positive message to everyone,” she says.

How parents can help their children to overcome challenges

In fact, Ellie credits much of her success to her parents and the way they raised her. “My parents always brought me up the same as they did my sister, Amy. They always supported what I wanted to do throughout my whole life,” she shares. This equal treatment and unwavering support were key in helping her thrive.

As she points out, children with Down Syndrome, or other disabilities, have the potential to achieve their dreams, but might just need extra encouragement or time.

“We have lots of capabilities. Sometimes it might just take longer to achieve or do something, but support is the key,” she adds. Her message to parents is to continuously encourage their children and remind them of their worth. “Just keep telling your children they can achieve, and that you are proud of them.”

"Love your child and bring them up as them, not with a label"

Growing up, Ellie’s parents were open with her about her Down Syndrome, using books and pictures to explain her condition in an age-appropriate way. But they never let it define her. “My parents told me about my condition by looking at books about Down Syndrome and pictures,” she recalls. But Ellie notes that it's important to look beyond the 'label' and see the child. It's a philosophy she wants to share with other parents raising children with disabilities: “To love your child and just bring them up as themselves—not with a label.”

Writing, modelling, dancing... what's next for Ellie Goldstein?

As a model, author, student and role model, Ellie has proven that having Down Syndrome should never been seen as a limitation. “The most rewarding part of my journey so far is proving that I am capable of doing everything I want to do and showing the world who I am,” she explains.

With her new book, Ellie hopes to continue breaking barriers, advocating for representation, and inspiring a new generation of readers—whether they live with a disability or not. With its strong message of positivity, perseverance, and the belief that every child can achieve their dreams, her book is another inspiring achievement for this trailblazing young woman.

Ellie Goldstein’s new children’s book, Ellie is available to buy from September 20th.

Rebecca Lancaster is a Digital Writer for Mother&Baby, drawing on ten years of parenting her two children to help others navigating their own parenting journey. As a freelance writer, she spent ten years working with leading lifestyle brands, from travel companies to food and drink start-ups, and writing everything from hotel reviews to guides to the best British cheeses. She’s particularly interested in travel and introducing her children to the excitement of visiting new places, trying different foods (less successfully) and experiencing different cultures.