Mitchell Itches - by Kristin Kelly (Hardcover)

About the Book

In a world where eczema affects one in five kids, Mitchell's story resonates. Despite the itchiness, teasing, and stress, he stays strong. With his family's support, he learns to manage his condition and discovers that playing the guitar is a great distraction from the itch. Will all his practicing pay off when he tries out for the school band?

Book Synopsis

An uplifting story about a boy who doesnt let his eczema hold him back from having fun and facing his fears.

Meet Mitchell, a boy who is part of the one in five children living with eczema. In Mitchell Itches, we learn about his experiences with this condition, including the common triggers and stresses of managing it, while also understanding his resilience, the support he gets from his friends and family, and the self-care he practices to manage his symptoms.

As part of his journey, Mitchell discovers a unique talent. His Uncle Sean introduces him to the guitar to keep his itchy hands occupied. Mitchell's condition, surprisingly, leads him to a new passion that could make him a sensation. Will his newfound talent take centre stage at the school band auditions?

This engaging story helps children to empathize with others and understand the realities of living with a skin condition, showing that challenges can also lead to discovering our strengths.

Review Quotes

"This is a sweet educational book targeted at children who suffer from eczema with fun and engaging illustrations by Amelina Jones. It includes an appendix page of facts about managing eczema as a useful reference for parents."

- Buzz Words

"And while this is specifically about eczema,
there is also an underlying message about discovering something that we love to
indulge in and completely distract us from whatever is troubling us. In fact,
it is not indulgent, it's necessary to give the brain a break so it can be
refreshed and renewed when reality impacts again. So all sorts of lessons
for all of us. "
- The Bottom Shelf

"This is a wonderful book and important book.
What a joy to see a child with eczema represented in a picture book. It affects
1 in 4 Australian children."
- Picture Book Book Club (via Instagram)

"1 in 5 Australian children lives with eczema. This
book will be helpful to so many.

Our protagonist, Mitchell is one of these children.

This book is both a window and a mirror.

It reflects the daily challenges faced by children
with eczema. It also serves to teach children how they can support friends with
this skin condition.."
- Oh Creative Day (via Instagram 41K followers)

"Despite the itchiness, teasing and stress Mitchell says strong while experiencing
chronic eczema"
Peninsula Kids

"What I really love about this book is
that it encourages children to show compassion and kindness to other kids. It
gives them an insight into something that they may not be familiar with, but
something that is really common and a lot of kids deal with."
- Kids Get Booked (via Instagram)

"A great story, this book teaches us about
someone's experiences with this condition and how over time you can learn
to live with this condition ."
-
Literacy,
Families and Learning

"Author Kristin Kelly pens a terrific, heartwarming story about a subject criminally underacknowledged in children's books - so many kids live with eczema or skin conditions (I Have personal family history of it myself) and this book is a fantastic resource to help those kids know they are not alone! Children or adults with eczema will take away from the tried-and-tested methods Mitchell uses in the story to control his eczema (there is even an addendum at the end of the story with tips for kids on how to manage the condition). But most importantly, the story focuses on finding your own joy and passion and inspires kids to follow their dreams and take part in activities they love, to never give up or let yourself be limited by anything. Kelly's text is bright and warmly embracing and she brings a lovable character alive in Mitchell who the readers will root for. Coupled with Amelina Jones' evocative illustrations, which bring vibrancy and colourful in creating the world of the story, Mitchell Itches is a fantastic story ideal for kids with eczema but also any kids who like a terrific book. This one is ideal for all teachers and parents to bring into the classroom or home to begin discussions. Thank you Kristin Kelly and Amelina Jones for creating a superb, winsome story with a fresh take on a much-needed topic in children's books today. Highly recommended."

- Brenton Cullen, Kids Books Review

"In Australia, one in three children live with eczema and this story provides much-needed representation to a common condition. The story and information in the end pages, helps children have compassion and empathy to go further than only knowing someone skin deep."

- Love for Reading (via Instagram 61.5K followers)

A terrific, heartwarming
story about a topic criminally underacknowledged in children's books - so many
kids live with eczema or skin conditions. This book is a fantastic resource to
help those kids know they are not alone.
-

Magpies Magazine

"A useful and uplifting school, library or home resource for 4-8 year old, showing the lived experience of an eczema sufferer, who is resilient, positive and just gets on with life.."

- Story Links

"Mitchell Itches' is an inclusive book that's perfect for preschools and schools to help educate children about this sometimes debilitating condition and how to treat it. It's also a great story about a kid who does his best and always approaches life with a positive outlook."

- Little Darlings