Billingham author helps children to feel comfortable in own skin with her first book

Rachel Robinson has linear epidermal nevus, a type of birthmark that covers one half of her body, and was bullied as a child.

To help other children with the same condition – and anything else that makes them stand out – she has written the book ‘Wear It With Pride’ which has just been published.

It is described as a charming story about confidence, courage and learning to be proud of exactly who you are.

Rachel, 31, a SEN teaching assistant at a primary school in Billingham, said: “I grew up with a birthmark and was bullied quite badly.

“I never saw myself represented in books and becoming a published author felt like a dream way out of reach.

“I wrote the book that I wish I had access to when I was little.

“I feel this story can support children who are dealing with being different, but also act as a teaching tool for children who don't know about birthmarks.”

She added: “I want this story to help as many children as possible.

"I'd love to inspire any young person to realise this is something they can do with a great idea, creativity, hard work, and passion."

Rachel, who grew up in Hartlepool before moving to Billingham when she was 18, wrote Wear It With Pride in just 20 minutes.

It has been illustrated by her colleague and friend Leigh Hart and is published by Wonderfully Me Publishing.

Their school has ordered a number of copies, and Rachel would love to see it in more schools.

She also has a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which affects her attention level, focus and memory.

Rachel also hopes to highlight that a diagnosis does not mean people aren't capable of great things.

“I would love to show other children with disabilities that if I can do it, so can you,” she said.

She has also started writing her second book, inspired by a young girl diagnosed with ADHD, which is now at the illustration stage.

Wear It With Pride, priced £7.99, is available on Amazon.