Charlie the Click Bug is a brilliant way of making children learn more about epilepsy.

Children’s books have evolved over the past decades. Stories are not exclusive to fairy tales, pirates, and magical creatures. Modern children’s stories now tackle daily social issues such as bullying, racism, and other realities that kids and students encounter. Ray Sobrino Jr. has done a brilliant job producing stories that discuss some of these issues. Today, we are going to feature a remarkable work by Ray Sobrino Jr. It is a fable with a twist. Charlie the Click Bug is a children’s book unlike any other.

Charlie the Click Bug

Published in October 2018, Charlie the Click Bug is the second book by Ray Sobrino Jr. While his first book, Ralphie the Roach discussed bullying, Charlie the Click Bug takes on another, more complex topic- epilepsy. The main character, Charlie, has a medical condition called epilepsy. It causes him to click uncontrollably. The book revolves around Charlie’s condition. It also shows how Charlie’s parents are trying to help him fit in with the other bugs in their neighborhood. Ray Sobrino Jr.’s illustrated book about a little bug dealing with the said condition is a subtle way of making children understand more about epilepsy. For parents whose children have this medical condition, it is a great way to somehow educate their children on what they are going through and to let them know that they are not alone in this. This will bring them inspiration and hope that they can cope up and somehow live a normal life along with other children their age.

A Brief Note on Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder. A person with epilepsy suffers from uncontrollable and sudden movements. About 3 million Americans suffer from epilepsy. Symptoms usually begin at age 10 or after the age of 55. It is important to know that epilepsy is not contagious. Therefore there is no need to fear or isolate people suffering from this medical condition. While people with epilepsy need special care, they are not different from most of us and that they should live a normal and happy life.

Sobrino Jr.’s Other Works

Ralphie the Roach

Ralphie the Roach is Ray Sobrino’s first book. It is an illustrated book published in 2017. It tells the story of a young cockroach whom others regard as ugly and untidy. Other insects look down on him because of where he lives. Most roaches live in dark and greasy places. One day, Ralphie goes home to his parents crying. Henry is a big and means honey bee who told Ralphie that no one likes him because Ralphie is dirty and ugly-looking. Henry also told Ralphie that everyone loves bees because of how bees smell. Bees spent a lot of time around flowers. Ralphie’s parents explained to him what is truly important and advised him on how to handle bullies like Henry and other bugs who treat him badly.

Esther and the Revolution

Esther and the Revolution is a story of a young woman who is trying to leave her war-torn country to find a safe haven. Esther encounters major historical figures who shaped the history of Mexico while heading. The book is divided into 9 chapters. Esther and the Revolution is Ray Sobrino Jr.’s first novel and a departure from his first two books.

About the Author

Born in 1971 Long Beach, CA, Raymond Sobrino Jr. holds a degree in English Literature from California Lutheran University. He has three children and currently lives in Newbury Park, California. He is an exterminator by trade and owns a small company, Sobrino’s Termite and Pest. Aside from writing, he enjoys hiking and landscape photography. He loves taking photos of cities and nature.