Book for Children with Facial Palsy

During Facial Palsy Awareness Week (1-7 March 2017) we launched our first children’s book to support children with facial palsy.

When Teddy Lost His Smile Book Cover

ISBN: 978-0995717503

When Teddy Lost His Smile

By Karen Johnson & Andrew Hennessey (Illustrator)

Written with the assistance of a number of child psychologists, as well as children and parents living with facial palsy, this book addresses the challenges of this condition for young children in a way that is appropriate and sensitive.

The book is recommended for children aged 3 to 7. It is also a useful tool for an adult with facial palsy to introduce facial palsy to their child, or for teachers to educate their pupils about the condition.

The book aims to:

  • Improve self-esteem in children with facial palsy by normalising the condition.
  • Reduce feelings of isolation in children so they don’t feel they are ‘the only one’.
  • Increase awareness of facial palsy in schools and the wider community.

About the story

When Teddy Lost His Smile page

A little girl called Rosie buys a Teddy at a toy sale. Teddy is very shy and he worries because he has lost his smile. Rosie who has facial palsy, shows teddy throughout the book that he shouldn’t worry so much about his lost smile. Rosie’s facial palsy is only spoken about in a very positive way and she is a confident, happy little girl with lots of friends.

Some areas are explored relating to children with facial palsy, such as Rosie getting sand in her eye at one point and eating food that is easier to chew. She also talks about her party tricks, such as being able to raise just one eyebrow and sneeze with one eye open.

At the end of the book, Rosie asks her daddy to give Teddy a new smile with his sewing kit, but Teddy decides that he is happy the way he is.

When Teddy Lost His Smile Book & Child

Where to order

The book is now available to buy in print or as an e-book from thousands of online retailers in the UK and internationally including Amazon, Waterstones, Barnes & Noble and more. Just search for ‘When Teddy Lost His Smile Book’. You can also ask your local library to source a copy.

Libraries or schools looking to source copies should email info@facialpalsy.org.uk

Future releases

We are hoping to release further titles for children that focus on other issues related to facial palsy. Please sign up to join our community and tick the email newsletter option for updates about future books.

Last reviewed: 16-11-2023    ||    Next review due: 16-11-2026