Kristen Kelly (text), and Amelina Jones (illustrator), Mitchel itches: An Eczema story, Exisle Publishing, April 2024, 32 pp., RRP $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781922539724
In Australia 1 in 3 children, and as many as 4 out of 10 infants, live with eczema.
Mitchell has eczema. So many children do. This enlightening picture book, Mitchell itches gives insight into life with eczema and the daily struggles with trying not to itch and scratch! The main character, Mitchell, invites us to journey with him through his battles with having eczema, which he’s had since birth. He describes how it presents as an irritant, and the many, many ways in which he and his family try to prevent the itchiness, and ways to soothe the persistent itch. He also discovers a way to stop the scratching while practicing a skill that reveals his own very special talent.
Mitchell itches is a friendly introduction and demonstration on how eczema can impact home life, confidence, and friendships. It shows the way people can support people with eczema. At home Mitchell’s parents trial different remedies to help with the itching. The author goes through a detailed list of all the ways which can help prevent and soothe the itching, including restricting certain foods and keeping the house clean of irritants, as well as noting things that can exacerbate the condition. The book is recommended for ages 4-8, however the list of ways to prevent and soothe the itchiness (including “Eczema tips” at the end) is a handy resource for parents and carers of those with eczema, no matter their age.
With carefully considered wording, the author manages to keep the theme light hearted, even though the text delves into the frustration of trying not to scratch and the stigma surrounding eczema in Mitchell’s social circles. There are those that misunderstand eczema and think it’s catching, but Mitchell has friends who understand that eczema isn’t like that, and who help spread the truth to dispel fears and support him with misleading information.
The illustrations are a superb addition to the text, complimenting the nature of Mitchell’s positive outlook on his condition. The imagery shows detailed insight into the different ways Mitchell manages his eczema without making it too confronting for the reader, making it ideal for young readers.
Mitchell itches serves as a thoughtful book to support young readers with eczema – promoting positivity and perseverance through trialling different remedies, shifting focus from the temptation to itch, and discovering what can be achieved despite having eczema. It’s also a great resource for parents and carers looking to aid children experiencing eczema, and for those who want to further educate themselves on how to support other people with eczema.
Reviewed by Lauren Harcombe
