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With "Does a crab eat hair?» the prospective A-level student Grit Brunner introduces children to an incomprehensible situation: when a child is diagnosed with leukaemia. The children's book is moving and yet reassuring.
Little Ela falls ill with leukaemia. At first she doesn't know what this actually means. But she realises that her parents are very sad. And at some point, her brother Nick asks whether he might be to blame for Ela's illness. After all, he has teased his little sister from time to time. The children learn that Ela's blood is sick and that she now needs a lot of time and support to get better.
There are not many children's books about leukaemia. And the few that do exist focus on a mum or dad who is ill. It's different in «Does cancer eat hair?». Here we experience the illness first-hand from the perspective of little Ela. This story is told with ruthless honesty, but always very lovingly and peppered with the necessary dose of confidence.
The book was designed and written by Grit Brunner. It is her final project for her upcoming A-levels. The 19-year-old was keen to include a sibling in her story. She wanted to shed light not only on the physical but also the psychological effects of such an illness. «The book should not only help children suffering from leukaemia, but also their relatives and, above all, their siblings, so that they understand why mum and dad are suddenly taking more time for their sick child.»
Grit Brunner quickly decided on the topic for her A-level thesis. As she wanted to become a doctor, she wanted to do something to do with medicine. But also something artistic. She looked into medical topics and realised that there was still hardly anything about leukaemia that was suitable for children.
"I completely underestimated that my work would ultimately take up so much time. I spent my entire autumn holidays drawing,» says Grit Brunner. First she wrote the story. Then came the illustrations. «I must have adapted the pictures ten times and revised the texts just as often,» says Grit Brunner and laughs.
The effort was definitely worth it. The result is a colourful book that conveys the existing challenges in a child-friendly way. We were not only impressed by the work of the budding A-level student, but also touched by it. We would now love to read Grit Brunner's next book!
But she has other plans after her A-levels than writing books: «Actually, writing isn't really my thing! And art is my hobby, I like doing it for myself but not under pressure.» And when asked where she sees herself in the future, she says: «My big wish is to get a place to study medicine in the autumn. I don't know yet whether I'll go to a paediatric cancer ward or into surgery. But I still have time.»
Grit Brunner would like to make her children's book available to as many affected children and their families as possible. She is already in contact with a publisher, but is still waiting for an answer. Because the UKBB likes the book so much and we don't want to wait, we are having a few copies printed for our cancer ward. If you are interested If you are interested in a co-operation with Grit Brunner, you are welcome to contact her directly.
The Medgate Kids Line provides quick and uncomplicated medical advice if your child is unwell. The medical team of our partner Medgate is available to you by telephone around the clock.
For emergencies abroad: Call the emergency number of your health insurance company. You will find this number on your health insurance card.
More information: On the Page of the emergency ward you will find everything you need to know about behaviour in emergencies, typical childhood illnesses and waiting times.
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