Mitchell Itches: An eczema story

BOOK: 32 page full colour picture book ideal 4-12 years.- by Kristin Kelly (Author), Amelina Jones (Illustrator)  - Hardcover Format

An uplifting and inspiring story about a boy who refuses to let his eczema hold him back from enjoying life, facing his fears, and discovering new strengths along the way.

Meet Mitchell, a boy who is part of the one in five children living with eczema. In Mitchell Itches, we explore his experiences with this common skin condition, learning about the everyday triggers and stresses that come with managing it. But more than just the challenges, the story shines a light on Mitchell’s resilience, the unwavering support he receives from his friends and family, and the self-care practices he adopts to manage his symptoms.

Through his journey, Mitchell discovers a unique talent he never expected. His Uncle Sean introduces him to the guitar to keep his itchy hands busy, and to Mitchell's surprise, this new activity ignites a passion for music he never knew he had. What begins as a simple distraction becomes a potential game-changer. Will Mitchell’s newfound musical talent take center stage at the school band auditions and offer him a chance to shine?

This heartfelt story not only helps children understand the realities of living with eczema but also encourages empathy, resilience, and the importance of finding strength in the face of challenges. Mitchell Itches shows that even the toughest obstacles can lead to discovering unexpected talents and passions, inspiring readers to embrace their unique qualities and pursue their dreams.

Kristin Kelly‘s professional journey spans from nursing in a large Sydney, Australia hospital to preschool teaching and working as an end-of-life biographer. She combined her lifelong experiences with eczema and her diverse professional background to craft “Mitchell Itches.” Kristin believes in nurturing kindness in the classroom and cherishes the privilege of capturing individuals’ life stories. Her unique experiences underscore the value of empathy and continuous learning.

Amelina Jones‘ passion for nature, stories, and paints shines through her illustrations. Working with traditional watercolor and ink, she loves weaving storytelling elements and emotions into her artwork. Her preferred medium, watercolor and ink, offers her the creative freedom she enjoys, creating illustrations that breathe life into stories.

Download the Teacher’s Notes HERE

IMPORTANT: Illustrated kids' books about allergies serve several important purposes for children:

1. Education: These books provide a child-friendly and relatable way to learn about allergies. They explain what allergies are, common allergens, and how to recognize allergic reactions. This knowledge empowers children to understand their own allergies or those of their friends and classmates.

2. Empathy and Understanding: Allergy-themed books help foster empathy in children. They teach kids to be considerate of others who may have allergies and to be aware of potential allergens. This can reduce the risk of accidentally causing harm to their peers with allergies.

3. Safety: Children with allergies need to know how to keep themselves safe. Allergy books often include practical tips on avoiding allergens, carrying medications (like EpiPens), and seeking help in case of an allergic reaction. This knowledge can be life-saving.

4. Reducing Fear and Anxiety: Allergies can be frightening for children, especially if they've experienced severe reactions. Illustrated books can help demystify allergies, making them less scary and more manageable for kids. This can reduce anxiety and increase their confidence in managing their allergies.

5. Inclusivity: These books promote inclusivity by raising awareness of allergies and their impact. They help create a more supportive and understanding environment for children with allergies, ensuring they feel included and safe in social settings.

6. Healthy Eating Habits: Some allergy-themed books focus on food allergies. These books can help children with allergies and their peers make informed food choices, promoting healthier eating habits and ensuring that everyone can enjoy meals together safely.

7. Reading and Literacy Skills: Illustrated books are a fantastic tool for developing reading and literacy skills in children. By using engaging visuals and relatable stories, allergy-themed books encourage kids to read and learn.

In summary, illustrated kids' books about allergies are beneficial because they educate, promote empathy, enhance safety, reduce fear and anxiety, foster inclusivity, encourage healthy habits, and support literacy development. These books play a crucial role in helping children navigate a world where allergies are increasingly common.