The Patch that Wouldn't Go!

BOOK: 35 page full colour picture book ideal 4-10 years.- by  Farhana Begum (Author), Kate Hubaidulina (Illustrator)  - Paperback Format

A brave little girl. A stubborn patch. And a fiery dragon she never asked to meet.

The Patch That Wouldn't Go! is a heart-warming rhyming picture book inspired by a true story of courage, eczema, resilience, and healing.

Meet Alayna, a sweet and determined little girl with a bumpy red patch on her cheek that simply won’t go away. At first, creams seem to help, but when the patch returns and the itching becomes more intense, Alayna and her family begin a much bigger journey.

They soon discover a powerful and persistent enemy: Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW), imagined in the story as a fiery dragon that refuses to give up easily.

Told through gentle rhyming verses and brought to life with whimsical, child-friendly illustrations, this touching story is inspired by the real-life experience of the author’s daughter as she bravely faced TSW — a difficult and often little-understood condition that is rarely represented in children’s books.

Through Alayna’s journey, young readers are reminded that difficult days can be faced with courage, patience, love, and support. The story helps children experiencing eczema or ongoing skin problems feel seen and understood, while also reassuring parents and caregivers that they are not alone in navigating the emotional ups and downs that can come with chronic skin conditions.

The Patch That Wouldn't Go! is not only a story about eczema and TSW — it is also a story about bravery, family, hope, and finding strength when things feel difficult.

A meaningful and comforting read for children, families, educators, and anyone supporting a child through eczema or a challenging skin journey.

About the author:

Farhana Begum is a British Bangladeshi mother, writer, and advocate for children's wellbeing. Inspired by her daughter’s brave journey through eczema and Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW), Farhana wrote The Patch That Wouldn’t Go! — a heartfelt rhyming picture book. Her storytelling blends gentle rhyme, emotion, and hope to help children and families feel seen,

When Farhana couldn’t find a book that reflected her daughter’s experience, she decided to write one herself. The result was The Patch That Wouldn’t Go! — a heartfelt picture book that’s both comforting and educational for young readers living with chronic skin conditions.

Farhana is passionate about raising awareness of TSW, promoting emotional resilience in children, and creating inclusive stories that speak to real struggles with kindness and courage.

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.