The Flare is a beautifully illustrated, child-friendly story designed to help children make sense of PANS/PANDAS and some of the changes it can bring.
Written mainly with children aged around 8–12 in mind, but accessible to a wider age range. Younger children may benefit from reading it with a trusted adult. It can also be a useful resource for family members, friends, education staff and other professionals supporting a child with PANS/PANDAS.
The story follows Leo as he begins to understand what he is experiencing, learns how calling it “the Flare” can help separate the condition from who he is, and finds small ways to cope.
Practical ideas are woven through the story, with a personalised My Flare Survival Guide to help children explore what might support them as they navigate PANS/PANDAS.
Written by Clinical Psychologist Dr Vicky Queralt and illustrated by Anna Edgell.
Book details
Paperback · 40 pages · 240 × 240 mm
Published by TopHat Press
ISBN: 9781738423484
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When Leo experiences sudden and overwhelming changes in his thoughts, feelings and behaviour, everything starts to feel confusing and out of control.
With the help of his mum, doctor and Aunty Kate, Leo begins to understand what is happening. He names it “the Flare” and learns to see it as something separate from who he is.
Using the metaphor of a storm and child-friendly storytelling, the book explores PANS/PANDAS without relying on lots of medical language or long lists of symptoms.
As Leo begins to make sense of what is happening, he starts to find small ways that may help him cope.
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Alongside Leo’s story, The Flare includes child-friendly ideas and activities to help children think about their own experience of PANS/PANDAS and what might help them.
The book introduces B.A.C.E. – Body Care, Achievement, Connection and Enjoyment – as a way to encourage small steps towards things a child might be able to do when the Flare is around.
At the end of the book, children can create their own personalised Flare Survival Guide, bringing together the people, things and ideas that may help them through a flare.
And there are hidden stars to look out for along the way! ⭐
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By Vicky Queralt
Through my clinical work with children and families affected by PANS/PANDAS, I kept wishing there was something tangible and visual that I could put into a child’s hands to help make a complicated and often frightening experience easier to understand.
I wrote The Flare to offer a compassionate and manageable starting point. Through Leo’s story, the book helps separate the condition from the child, uses the metaphor of a storm to make sense of the experience, and reinforces the important message that what is happening is not their fault.
The book also introduces small-step ideas that may help alongside medical treatment and wider support, with a personalised Flare Survival Guide that children can adapt to their own experience.
I hope it helps children feel less alone and gives families and those supporting them somewhere to begin.
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Dr Vicky Queralt is an HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years’ experience supporting children, young people and families. She has a particular interest in supporting children and families affected by PANS/PANDAS.
Her work is grounded in compassionate, evidence-based practice, with a focus on helping children and families understand what is happening and find practical, personalised ways forward.
Find out more about Vicky here
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Anna is a multidisciplinary graphic designer and illustrator with a passion for creating engaging and emotionally resonant artwork for young audiences. She has a First Class Honours degree in Graphic and Communication Design and a background in brand, packaging and retail design, with illustration at the heart of much of her work.
Anna has worked on a range of freelance illustration projects and is particularly drawn to projects that support children’s wellbeing and development.
Her illustrations in The Flare bring warmth, empathy and imagination to Leo’s story, helping to make a difficult and sometimes confusing experience more accessible to young readers.
Instagram: @graphic_anna
Reviews
“The Flare is a beautifully written, illustrated and much-needed book that will resonate with so many children and families affected by PANS and PANDAS. Written by Dr Vicky Queralt, whose expertise and compassion shine through on every page, it manages to explain an incredibly complex and frightening condition in a way that is accessible, reassuring and genuinely hopeful.
What I particularly love about this book is that it helps children understand that what they are experiencing is not their fault. Through Leo's story, Dr Queralt gives young readers the language to make sense of overwhelming thoughts, feelings and behaviours, while also helping parents, carers and professionals better understand the child's perspective. The idea of "the Flare" is both powerful and practical, providing a child-friendly way to talk about symptoms that can be very difficult to explain.
The book strikes exactly the right balance between acknowledging the very real challenges of PANS and PANDAS and offering hope that children can get through those difficult times. The inclusion of simple coping strategies and the B.A.C.E. framework makes it not only a story, but a useful resource that families can return to again and again.
At PANS PANDAS UK, we know how important it is for children to feel seen, understood and less alone. The Flare achieves that beautifully. I have no doubt it will become a valued resource for families, schools and healthcare professionals alike, helping to build greater understanding of these life-changing conditions and supporting children to find hope, even in their darkest moments.”
Vicky Burford, CEO PANS PANDAS UK
“The Flare is one of the most honest depictions of what it’s like to have PANS/PANDAS — and how children can regain their true selves by understanding their own flare. I truly wish I had this book growing up.”
Kirk Lord, Founder and Executive Director of NPYA
I have read this book, and it is absolutely fantastic. It is very relevant to CYP (Children & Young People) with PANS PANDAS and their families, in addition to others (including education, social services and healthcare professionals) who want to develop their understanding of these conditions. The book offers a good insight into what a flare may feel/look like and also gives hope for CYP and their families. The illustrations are great too!
Professor Rajat Gupta, Consultant Paediatric Neurologist
“This beautiful book offers some clues on how to talk about and manage some big, scary PANS/PANDAS experiences!”
Brita List - Clinical Psychologist
"A beautiful book which manages to communicate such complex ideas in a very gentle and easy to understand way. The guidance and advice is practical, empathetic and achievable. I am sure this book will be a great comfort to children with PANS/PANDAS"
Bridget Gray, Teacher, Oxfordshire
“A brilliantly written and illustrated portrayal of a child’s experience of PANS/PANDAS, with helpful and accessible advice contained in the story. A thoughtful and well-needed resource for families.”
Dr Marie Clarke - Consultant Clinical Psychologist
“A beautifully written and deeply thoughtful book. It explains a complex experience with warmth, sensitivity, and real insight. It feels both understanding and genuinely useful for children and families. The illustrations also bring the story to life in such a vivid and comforting way. Overall a fantastic book.”
Alex Christensen Evidence manager