Written on March 19, 2024
Isabela Sardas: I am a licensed clinical child psychologist, author, and burn survivor with over 25 years of experience treating pediatric trauma-related psychiatric disorders. I obtained my training in psychology at Harvard Medical School Cambridge Hospital, UNT, and The University of Pennsylvania. I was the Founder/Chief Executive Officer of Childynamics, LLC, a child and adolescent mental health day treatment program for 20 years specializing in depression, anxiety, and trauma. I am a long-time member of the Psychological Association and the National Register for Health Service Psychologists. I am also a member of the American Burn Association and Phoenix Society For Burn Survivors. I was recently nominated for the Alfred M. Wellner Lifetime Achievement Award.
Belle and Chloe are loving twin sisters who do everything together. But one day, tragedy strikes when a pot of boiling soup burns Belle. With third-degree burns on several areas of her body, she must spend several months in the hospital for treatment and later have surgery to reduce her scars.
A story about trauma and recovery, this picture book is for children (ages 8+). It shares the story of the accident, the impact the event has on Belle's self-image, her relationship with her sister and the rest of the family, and the value of family, support, and love during her recovery.
The story describes the post-hospitalization challenges Belle experiences with reintegration into school and social settings and how this affects the whole family. Belle experiences a period of trauma-related symptoms, such as nightmares, sadness, and social isolation. With scars over most of her body, she no longer looks like her twin sister and struggles with adjusting to her new "self." Her sister, Chloe, tries to help her join in social activities, but Belle wants to stay in the safety of her room, snuggling her pet corgi and stuffed animal. Her father also tries to help with her nightmares with bedtime stories. Her mom, who cares for her wounds, encourages Belle to view her scars in a more positive way.
Belle eventually agrees to see a psychologist, and then they all go in for family therapy. Belle's therapist helps by giving her strategies to manage others' stares and how to respond to questions about her scars (these are provided in the book). The book ends with Belle and Chloe engaging in activities together again and Belle accepting her "new" self.
I'm proud to say that the book has received several awards and positive reader reviews. It has also been translated into Spanish and French. Proceeds from the sales of the book go to Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors and the American Burn Association. You can find out more about it on my website at www.isardasbooks.com. It is sold on Amazon and Barnes & Noble bookstores.
The book is based on my personal experience (Belle for Isabela) as a burn survivor. I was seven years old when I had a kitchen accident and was living in Paris, France, at the time. I had 3rd-degree burns on my face, upper torso, and legs. I don't have a twin sister, but I do have a sister named Claudia ("Chloe" in the book) and we've always been very close. I also have two older sisters. The impact of my burn incident affected us all and the way we relate to each other. At times, it wasn't easy, but we found a way to come together.
I wrote the book for all young children who experience any type of trauma-related scars (physical or emotional) that cause them to feel different from others, using my expertise as a child psychologist who specializes in trauma-informed care. I hope the book provides a venue through which survivors of trauma and their families can discuss their struggles with each other. I hope the book supports children by helping them recognize the symptoms of trauma, allowing them to know they're not alone and that they can get help from family and professionals.
During Phoenix Society' World Burn Congress last year, I had a booth to promote my book. Many adult survivors who stopped by mentioned that the book would help them read to their grandchildren or children and explain their own experiences. I hope they were able to do so.
I strongly encourage other survivors to write about their experiences. It is not only cathartic, helping you through your own recovery journey (even if the incident happened many years ago), but it also can help others open up about their own experiences.
Even as a psychologist, it wasn't until I finished writing the book and became involved in the burn community that I considered myself a "burn survivor"… even after all these years! Writing the book and publishing it has enriched my life, meeting so many other survivors who feel more comfortable now to open up to me about their own trauma.
Disclaimer: The stories featured on this website are personal accounts shared by individuals from the burn community. Each burn injury, recovery journey, and healing process is unique. These stories are meant to offer connection, insight, and hope but are not intended as medical advice. What worked for one person may not be appropriate for others. The perspectives shared in these stories do not necessarily represent the views of Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors. If you have medical questions or concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.