Haverhill writer Rosie Pawsey releases debut children’s book, Charlie’s Story, inspired by baby son’s one in 30,000 medical condition
A writer has drawn on on her own experience as the mother of a child born with a very rare condition to publish her debut children’s book.
Rosie Pawsey’s book, called Charlie Boy, tells the story of a boy born with one eye who uses love, laughter, and courage to understand that being different ‘isn’t less - it’s what makes him unique’.
The eponymous character is inspired by Rosie’s own two-month-old son, Charlie, who was born with one eye missing - a condition called anophthalmia.
According to the website for the charity MACS (Microphthalmia, Anophthalmia & Coloboma Support), anophthalmia, which means the absence of the eye, can affect one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) eyes.
The charity says it occurs in ‘one in 30,000 people, making it an extremely rare condition’.
Rosie, 30, lives in Haverhill with her ‘very supportive’ partner Aaron, 29, their children Scarlett, five and Charlie, plus their black Labrador Skye. She has previously lived in Hundon and Clare.
She explained the back story to creating the book: “I had wanted to write for many years but never felt connected to my earlier stories.
“When my son Charlie was born with one eye, it made me reflect on how people judge others at first glance - much like judging a book by its cover.
“I wanted to channel my thoughts and feelings into a story that helps children (and adults) feel seen, loved, and understood, showing that differences do not diminish a person’s worth.
“Charlie Boy is the first in a planned series, each book focusing on a different disability, aimed at raising awareness, empathy, and compassion.
“I’m currently working on the next story about a deaf little girl, exploring how her other senses are heightened, which I hope will be both educational and fun for children.”
Before Charlie’s birth, said Rosie, she and Aaron knew nothing of anophthalmia and it never showed up on any of the pregnancy scans, so it was a surprise when he was born with it.
“He got diagnosed with anophthalmia three days after he was born and although it was upsetting for us at first we wouldn’t have him any other way,“ said Rosie.
“He is just perfect and is such a content, happy little boy and is thriving.”
“We haven’t been told an awful lot about his condition yet we were referred to a specialist and we are still awaiting our first appointment. However we were told it is a rare condition. Most of what we know about it has been through our own research so far.
“Creating this book has been very cathartic for me I saw it as a positive way to release the energy and emotions I was going through and it has helped me massively.
“In turn I hope I inspire and help other people and families going through similar emotions.
“Most importantly I would like to thank my wonderful partner Aaron. Without his support I would not have had the strength and confidence to create the book, especially with something so close to my heart.
“It is scary putting something out into the world for everyone to see, His reassurance and belief in me has kept me going.”
The 26-page long book is available to purchase on Amazon.
On social media, Rosie can be followed on: Facebook: Rosie writes. Instagram:Rosiwrites2025