A new illustrated storybook and video animation has been launched to give children more confidence when talking about Crohn's and colitis.

Crohn’s & Colitis UK launched Meet Our Crohn’s and Colitis Cats today (13 February 2020).

It was created together with people affected by Crohn’s or colitis – including children, their families and the healthcare professionals treating them. 

The story and pictures come from Thomas Wolfe. 

Thomas is an author, illustrator and father living with Crohn’s disease.

Personalised stories

The story is aimed at children aged 7-11, whether they have the condition themselves or know someone who does. 

It tells the story of Riley and stepdad Owen, who live with Crohn’s and colitis.

Readers can personalise the printed book and decide whether Riley and Owen have Crohn’s or colitis, depending on their own circumstances.

The story makes the invisible visible by representing Owen and Riley’s conditions in the form of cats; sometimes they follow you around and bother you, sometimes they leave you alone. 

Riley and Owen always have to take care of their cats, but they’re only a small part of who they are.

Challenging situations such as feeling different from friends and taking medicine are explored in a sensitive and friendly way. 

Riley and Owen discover that while it takes guts to live with a Crohn’s or Colitis cat, they can still achieve their dreams.

Watch the animation or order a free printed copy at: crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/cats