Little Lola: Living with Arthritis

Little Lola is an affectionate nickname created by Loretta and one of her aunts. Follow Lola as she navigates the complexities of living with Chronic Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. Diagnosed at just four years old, Lola and her mother must quickly learn about this long-term illness and how to manage it.

Through Lola’s story, readers will gain insight into the emotional journey of living with a chronic illness, including the fear, curiosity, and challenges that come with it. The author, who has struggled with anxiety and self-worth related to her condition, hopes that this book will provide a relatable and inspiring read for young readers, their loved ones, and open up positive conversations about illness, disability, and self-worth.

Loretta Mason is a debut author based in East London. Her book Little Lola: Living with Arthritis is based on personal experience, and she wrote it partly because there were no stories like it available when she became ill. She hopes the story can be reassuring to children who become chronically ill and educational to children across physical ability. She enjoys writing stories for children, drawing, and watching films. Throughout her childhood, Loretta distracted herself from her health issues in positive ways, by writing and reading stories, and watching films.