B.C. Teacher’s Book on Diabetes Soars to Amazon Success

A children’s book authored by Greater Trail teacher David Colquhoun has gained significant traction on Amazon, achieving remarkable success since its release. The book, titled “Leo’s Sleepover: A Diabetic Story,” aims to educate young readers about Type 1 diabetes, a condition that affects many children yet remains widely misunderstood. Since its launch on August 3, 2023, the book has climbed to the #2 spot on Amazon’s “Children’s Non-fiction on Disabilities” list.

Colquhoun, who teaches in School District 20, crafted this book over several years alongside illustrator Stacey Kissock. The inspiration for the narrative stemmed from his personal experience, as his son, Chris, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of two-and-a-half, making him one of the youngest cases in British Columbia. By the age of four, Chris was using an insulin pump, a significant step that highlighted the challenges faced by children with diabetes.

The narrative encapsulates the daily struggles associated with diabetes management, including routine blood-sugar checks and insulin injections. Colquhoun shared that, “We had to learn from scratch, because we didn’t know anything. The learning curve was immense.” The initial storyline focused on Chris’s experiences, particularly his desire to attend a hockey camp while managing his condition.

Following Chris’s progress, physicians at the Children’s Hospital in Vancouver recognized the value of Colquhoun’s insights. They encouraged him to create an educational brochure, which eventually evolved into the concept of a book. The need for accessible information about diabetes in classrooms further motivated Colquhoun to publish his work.

In collaboration with children’s book editor Chelsea Jackson, the story was simplified and refined to engage a young audience. The final version features Leo, a character who learns to navigate his diabetes after initially struggling with the limitations the condition imposes. One reviewer emphasized the book’s authenticity, stating, “The conversations you exhibit in your story are bang-on for us diabetics on how we describe our situation.”

Kissock’s illustrations play a crucial role in bringing the story to life. Her vibrant and engaging images are designed to resonate with children and help demystify the challenges associated with diabetes. She noted, “They are based loosely on Dave and his son,” adding that the character designs went through multiple iterations to capture the essence of the narrative.

The collaborative process emphasized key moments in Leo’s journey, including a poignant scene where Leo exclaims, “I hate diabetes!” This emotional depth aims to provide children with relatable experiences while educating them about managing their health.

Recognizing the lack of literature addressing child illnesses, Colquhoun and Kissock are considering developing additional editions of the book. Colquhoun expressed interest in exploring topics such as autoimmune diseases, allergies, and other conditions affecting children. “In teaching, I see a lot of the challenges kids have,” he explained, highlighting his commitment to creating supportive resources for students with special needs.

“Leo’s Sleepover: A Diabetic Story” is available for purchase on Amazon and will soon be stocked in local bookstores. For further updates and information, readers can visit Leo’s dedicated Facebook page.