The Story Behind the Book
I am Josephine – mother, author, and illustrator of Lia and her Eye Patch.
Writing the story and putting our own patching journey on paper was a project close to my heart.
When we received the diagnosis of strabismus, we were initially unsettled and overwhelmed. There were so many questions, fears, and worries. Our patching journey began with many tears – and our daughter's strong refusal to wear the patch. She was only eight months old when the therapy began – too young to understand why the patch was so important.
Over time, it became easier. She began to understand but still reluctantly wore the patch – and I wondered if it would help her if she met a main character in a book who, just like her, was on her very own patching journey. A character who, despite initial difficulties and small setbacks, wears her patch day after day – and whose eye gets stronger day after day.
And indeed: Even during the first reading, she beamed at me and said that her eye was also exercising and getting strong. A moment I will never forget and which deeply touched me.
Another reason this book came about was the many situations in which people – children and adults alike – stared at my daughter, pointed at her, or insensitively asked why she wore the patch.
Such encounters often made my daughter very sad. I wanted to create a book that not only strengthens and encourages but also educates and raises awareness – so that children and adults understand what is behind a small eye patch.
Today, the book helps her experience such moments differently. She feels confident enough to say why she wears her patch – without being sad when asked about it.
For me, this is the most beautiful sign that Lia and her Eye Patch works: It empowers children and opens hearts.
For these moments, every second of the long development process was worth it.
I hope that Lia and her Eye Patch also brings courage, joy, and self-confidence to other families.