Ticcing Thomas© is about a boy who is the world's fastest arm-flapper. Thomas has Tourette Syndrome Plus and in this story, he explains how Tourette's isn't just about having a tic. Thomas describes the challenges he faces every day and how he's learned to cope. Thomas explains how he experiences a tremendous amount of energy in his body and how he sometimes feels like a volcano about to explode! "Tourette's Syndrome is a disorder of brain that affects thinking and behaviour. There is considerable burden associated with this condition imposed on those affected and their families. Repetitive involuntary movements, actions, and/or vocalizations can be frustrating to children with Tourette's. Equally or even more wearisome is the stigma associated with the disorder and the increased risk of victimization and discrimination stemming from prejudice and ignorance. In this book, Jill Bobula and Katherine Bobula allow information about the condition to become accessible to younger readers in a simple and yet inclusive narrative. This knowledge can be an important ingredient to exalt the self esteem of affected children, and also far reaching as a vehicle to dismiss the stigma fed by apprehension and misunderstanding."
Abel Ickowicz MD, FRCPC
Psychiatrist-in-Chief, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada "Ticcing Thomas is an exceptional opportunity for teachers to raise the consciousness levels of their students, for parents to help shape their children into more tolerant and informed grownups, and for kids to discover new kinds of diversity and uniqueness in their peers. Thomas tells his story with a humour and directness guaranteed to bring comfort to youngsters who have TS and satisfy the inquisitive minds of those who don't. There are valuable life lessons in here, tender issues skillfully addressed and differences embraced. I can only wonder at the kind of world we'd live in if school libraries had a whole section devoted to books like the ones in this series. Bravo!"
Rosie Wartecker
Executive Director, Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada "All children deserve the safety and comfort of well informed peers. Thomas, like any other little boy or girls wants to belong. This book will prove useful on the journey."
Honourable Linda Reid,B.Ed, M.A., M.L.A.,
Minister of State for Child Care, Province of British Columbia |
