“That’s why it’s always a good idea to ask questions when you don’t understand something. Different kids need different things in school.”

Cassie is ten years old. She likes pizza, swimming, and Minecraft. She also has juvenile arthritis. Sometimes her classmates make fun of her for missing class or adapting her school day. Everything changes when she meets Sophie, who wants to help so much that she ends up making everything worse. Cassie finds the courage to teach her friends and classmates about her experience, giving everyone the tools to make their school a stronger community.

KOB is a troupe of life-sized puppets that dress and act like real children. The program’s goal is to help raise awareness and understanding about what it’s like to live with Juvenile Arthritis and to illustrate some of the challenges a classmate with JA might be facing: pain, isolation, depression, and mobility challenges.

KOB gives students the opportunity to ask their questions directly to the puppets, breaking down barriers and addressing serious topics (inclusion, health, disability) through a positive interactive experience. The puppets also help children feel positive about themselves, accept individual differences and learn valuable personal skills.

Kids on the Block