My Cousin Has Tourettes (The My... Has... series)

This gentle rhyming picture book offers young readers a compassionate window into the experience of living with Tourette syndrome, using simple language and engaging illustrations to explain tics in a way that feels accessible and reassuring. The story follows a child narrator who describes their cousin's movements and sounds, framing them not as something scary but as a natural part of who their cousin is. This approach to disability awareness for children helps demystify neurological differences through a relatable family relationship, making complex medical concepts understandable for early elementary readers. The rhythmic text keeps the tone light while addressing genuine questions children might have when someone they love has Tourettes.

What makes this book particularly valuable is its foundation in lived experience, ensuring authentic representation that avoids stereotypes or oversimplification. The narrative focuses on empathy-building and normalizing differences, showing how families can support each other while celebrating individual strengths. Children who have a classmate, sibling, or relative with tics will find comfort and clarity in these pages, while all young readers will benefit from its message of understanding and inclusion. This is exactly the kind of resource that can transform confusion into compassion in classroom and family settings.