Katie is the perfect hero to educate children about this challenging condition.
It’s a perfect day for Katie to play hide-and-seek with her friends. However, will she let her medical condition hold her back? With a gentle reminder from Mom to keep an eye on her diabetes monitor, Katie dashes off to find the best hiding place. And for a while, she finds a great spot! Despite hearing an unexpected noise, Olivia doesn’t find Katie hidden in the bushes. Next up, Matt sets off looking for the others, while Olivia takes up hiding with Katie. With so many burps, pops, and other sounds, it’s difficult for the kids to remain hidden for long. Olivia starts wheezing and needs her asthma inhaler, while Katie’s monitor beeps, indicating her blood sugar needs attention. As the girls notice they’re both making noises because of their conditions, they realize they have more in common than they thought. Amid uncontrollable giggles and Katie’s brave explanation of her diabetes, their hiding spot is compromised. Yet, the girls discover something more valuable than a temporary hiding place. Katie makes a friend who understands her circumstances, gets a chance to take some responsibility for her health care, and even finds a creative new way to keep her diabetes supplies organized.
According to an alarming CDC report, diabetes among youths could increase by more than 50% by 2060 if current trends continue. Statistics like this demonstrate an increasing need for diabetes awareness and health management strategies for young people. Katie is the perfect hero to educate children about this challenging condition. Set within a dynamic and engaging scene, Katie and her friend Olivia bond over their shared experiences. Every parent worries about their children, and a diabetes diagnosis only adds to that anxiety. But as Katie develops the confidence to speak up about her condition, her mom can rest a little easier knowing Katie is slowly becoming more independent and responsible for her health. Similarly, young readers will see that caring for their diabetes is not an obstacle that prevents them from enjoying fun activities. Rather, it’s simply a part of them, and this empowering story allows these kids to feel included and in good company. Sometimes we want to stand out in a crowd, but medical conditions tend to make young ones feel self-conscious and isolated. If there’s anyone in your life struggling with their circumstances, medical or otherwise, My Body Beeps! is a wonderful picture book that offers the support and acceptance they need and deserve.
