Friday, July 11, 2008

'Scardust' fairy to visit

Children’s book helps healing

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By SABINA DANA PLASSE
Express Staff Writer

Author Jennifer Devine helps children accept scars. Photo by

Twins Falls author Jennifer Devine-Hatch's battle with Cystic Fibrosis led to over 60 surgeries and hundreds of hospitalizations, leaving her with a body full of scars. In response to her condition, Devine-Hatch created the illustrated children's book, "Scardust," to help children understand emotional and physical scars. She will share "Scardust" at a book talk and signing at Chapter One Bookstore in Ketchum on Sunday, July 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

"Scardust" is a 28-page children's book with watercolor pencil illustrations which tells the story of young Jen-Bug, who does not understand why scars are left behind after surgery. She is a chronically ill young child who bravely battles surgery after surgery, which leaves more and more scars.

"You can imagine how self-conscious a child can be after surgery with a noticeable scar," Devine-Hatch said. "It's enough to have the trauma of surgery alone, but to be reminded of your scars by others pointing or whispering is traumatizing to a child's self-esteem—creating two scars instead of one."

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Devine-Hatch travels the country as an inspirational public speaker and Patient Perspective Consultant and plans to release her next book, "Patient Scars" in 2009.