By Kara Perrin
My name is Kara and I have Lyme disease. That’s usually the first thing that comes out of my mouth when I meet someone for the first time.
I feel like the Lyme label is not one any of us want to wear but it’s the easiest way to explain why I am the way I am.
It has been eight years since my bite, four and a half years since my diagnosis, one year since my book release in Australia and a few weeks since my book became available in USA and UK.
It’s hard to believe that a simple idea to write a children’s book is now not only a reality but actually selling all over the world!
So why a children’s book? The idea to write what eventually became Mick the Tick came about while I was undergoing treatment for Lyme and co-infections. Lyme is still not recognized in Australia and doctors are at risk of losing their license to practice if they try to diagnose or treat Lyme disease.
The medical gaslighting was astonishing and I remember many an ER visit where I would be experiencing severe symptoms including pseudo seizures and staff would just walk past my hospital bed. I don’t think they knew I was conscious during the whole ordeal.
It occurred to me that the current government, medical and education systems were never going to budge on their misguided notion that there’s no Lyme in Australia. So I decided the next best thing was to target our youth, a generation known for not taking no for an answer and asking all the questions. They are a force to be reckoned with and my best hope for change. So unable to walk or talk and practically bed bound, I began writing.
A child-friendly approach
It’s amazing how Mick the Tick has evolved over the years to become a beautiful, vibrant 56 page picture book. The original story was somewhat a bit more gruesome, with detailed description of the biting process.
Realizing this was a children’s book and that maybe it wasn’t a great idea to scare the bajebus outta them, I opted for a more child-friendly approach. So instead of Mick the Tick ‘bit and sucked and slurped and spit’ I opted for ‘he saw a chance and as he bit, he whispered softly tag your it.’ Which actually worked out really well since the animals are playing a game of tag.
I had to be very careful with how I designed the book given the lack of recognition in Australia so instead of writing a book about a child being bitten I opted for Aussie animals. I knew that would appease the adults but the children would make the connection with the message. I also do not use any specific types of tick transmitted illness keeping it open to a wider audience affected by like conditions.
Introducing the topic to children
Furthermore I do not talk about any specific treatment options but rather a healthy diet can make a positive impact. Again it’s an introductory book, so only so many things could be covered in a small amount of time in a way young minds can understand.
I was lucky to find my beautiful illustrator Bex Sutton in a Facebook group. Bex is an experienced illustrator in the UK and had never seen an Aussie animal before. She did an amazing job designing all the characters from scratch and the result is a beautiful book that I’m so very proud of.
Now I had a book, finished, printed and ready to go out into the world. But… Would anyone even want to buy it? Surprisingly, yes!
Some amazing people think my book is worthy to share with their little ones and the word is slowly spreading. I have to pinch myself every day that this is reality and what started out as a small project to distract me from invasive treatment and give me life purpose has turned into so much more.
I often receive photos and videos from people who have purchased my book showing me the impact it’s had on their lives. Kids who are still learning to read recite the story in their own way and show they understand the moral of the story. It makes me cry every time. At the end of the day, if I have managed to help one person with my book it’ll all be worth it.
Mick the Tick is available via Amazon Australia, USA and UK. You can follow Kara’s journey with Lyme and the making of Mick the Tick on her Instagram page: @kjperrin_author.
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