Didi, the Wolf and the Starry Tattoos

This beautifully written and illustrated children’s book invites readers young and old to see the beauty in visible differences and to celebrate the uniqueness of every individual. This book is more than a story; it’s a message of hope, love, and connection.

At the heart of this powerful narrative is little Didi, a young girl is born with a rare skin condition called Congenital Melanocytic Naevus (CMN) – large dark brown hairy birthmarks covering her skin. Like many children growing up with a visible difference, Didi experiences isolation, uncertainty, fear, and a lack of confidence. But this does not need to be! As the pages turn, we discover Didi is not alone, Didi belongs, and Didi can love the skin she is in.

“Our uniqueness is our superpower, the very thing that makes each one of us extraordinary!”
Jodi Whitehouse – Founder of Caring Matters Now

Who is the book for?

Through rhyming storytelling and captivating illustrations, this book provides a rare and vital space where children with visible differences feel seen, valued and celebrated. This wonderfully inspiring book provides a powerful tool for families, educators, and caregivers to open up meaningful conversations about empathy and kindness, helping children understand that everyone’s skin tells a story, and all stories deserve to be embraced and celebrated.

As each page is read, children will value their own uniqueness and be empowered to become confident and compassionate individuals. When we surround children with stories that celebrate all forms of beauty, we begin to build a more inclusive and loving world.

Dahlia Miriam Gaine

Meet the author

I’m an author, illustrator, and mum of three, passionate about creating stories that celebrate kindness, inclusion, and belonging. My debut children’s picture book “Didi, the Wolf & the Starry Tattoos” follows a child with a visible difference as they start school, navigating curiosity, stares, and ultimately finding her tribe.

This story is deeply personal to me. Inspired by my own experiences as a mum and volunteer with Caring Matters Now, I wanted to give children with visible differences a character who reflects their journey, while helping others learn empathy and acceptance.

Alongside my creative work, I’m also a qualified pharmacist and proud advocate for the visible difference community. My mission is to empower children and families with stories that open hearts and spark meaningful conversations.

What is Congenital Melanocytic Naevus (CMN)?

CMN is a dark brown and often hairy birthmark, covering up to 80% of the body. There is an increased risk of developing melanoma when CMN is present on the skin. CMN can go beyond the skin, affecting body systems, causing neurological problems and medical complexities. In worst cases, CMN can be fatal.

Creating a Brighter Future for Those Living with CMN

Caring Matters Now supports over 800 families affected by Congenital Melanocytic Naevus (CMN). We’re on a mission to create a brighter future for everyone living with CMN. Caring Matters Now is committed to funding groundbreaking research to develop effective treatments. Until then, our Support Pathway remains the only dedicated lifeline for those navigating life with CMN.

By purchasing this book, you’re doing more than reading a story, you’re helping write a new chapter for the CMN community. Through the sales of this book, Caring Matters Now can continue to support children and adults living with CMN, raise awareness of CMN so those affected are seen and celebrated, and fund pioneering research to develop effective treatments for CMN.

* Pre-Sales open for mainland UK on CMN Awareness Day, 28^th September. Orders will be despatch from the 1^st November. International sales open January 2026.