Luke and the tiger
A story about a boy
with the skin condition ichthyosis.
Luke and the tiger
A story about a boy with
the skin condition ichthyosis.
The story
Luke wakes up in the middle of the night, because there is a tiger next to his bed. The tiger can't find her babies, and she asks Luke for help. During their adventure, Luke discovers that various animals have their own story regarding their skin, just like he has.
What is special about this book?
The author, Jolien van der Geugten PhD, has a son with ichthyosis. When he went to grade school, she was unable to find an inspirational story about his skin condition. The author adopts a positive approach in telling an uplifting story about what it's like to have a dry skin condition, like ichthyosis. The message in this story is valuable for children with and without skin problems, as it will help them to understand each other better.
Would you like to read this colorful children's book?
What readers say about Luke and the tiger
The story explains in a clear and playful way what it means to have ichthyosis. All important symptoms are included in the story.
I didn't tell my daughter it was about ichthyosis and her eyes lit up and she said, "Wait. I have ichthyosis too. We're the same?"
It's so well done, so thoughtful, so perfect.
This skin condition was unknown to me. This story is a very nice and easy way to get acquainted with it.
For educational purposes
If a student is affected with any skin condition, including ichthyosis, it is often better to acknowledge this at whole-school community level as early as possible.
This book can encourage a natural conversation to happen within a classroom about difference (or unique beauty) and provide an opportunity for children to ask questions respectfully.
In fact, many parents and children enjoy being invited into the school or classroom to chat with the other students in order to explain what the skin condition is, how it affects the child and how they can support their new friend at school.
Children rarely come across someone who has similar skin to them and this can leave them feeling very isolated and different to their friends.
Having a storybook where the main character has ichthyosis, just like them, can be extremely beneficial in helping children not feel so alone.
Mandy Aldwin-Easton, Director Ichthyosis Support Group (UK)
