Mitchell Itches

 Mitchell Itches

Reviewed By  Janet Mawdesley       April 24, 2024

 

Author  Kristin Kelly. Illustration's Amelina Jones.

Distributor:      EK Books
ISBN:                 9781922539724
Publisher:         Exisle Publishing/EK Books
Release Date:   April 2024  

Website:    https://ekbooks.org 

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Eczema is a distressing condition which affects many children and adults. Telling the story of Mitch from babyhood to adult is a courageous way to explain this skin complaint. Children can feel different in many ways but having red, constantly itchy skin could easily make them feel isolated. The positive illustrations show Mitch as smiling and part of a happy family.

The author tells this story in a positive and explanatory way. Mitch is shown as a baby who must wear gloves at night. By the time he goes to school he and his family have tried many things to help his condition.

Before school he must cover his skin with a cream. Some of the things that helped were keeping his nails short, special oils and bleach.  Some of the things that didn’t help were hot baths, soap and sharing the bath with the cat.

For anyone who has eczema, the positive and humorous style used in the book will demystify the complaint and add a sense encouragement. For anyone who doesn’t have eczema a much greater understanding of the condition will also help.

The whole tone of the story is a positive and happy one. The book would also be extremely helpful for anyone with a baby or child who has eczema. It is explained that eczema is not catching, and that sunshine and sea bathing are a great help. At the back a page is devoted to tips to help manage the skin of a patient.

Childrens