The Red and White Twins

The Red and White Twins is an illustrated children's book about Twin Anemia Polycythemia Sequence (TAPS), a rare complication that can occur in monochorionic twin pregnancies when twins share one placenta. The story follows twins Mathilde and Emilie and uses clear, child friendly language to explain what the placenta does, what umbilical cords do, and how very small blood vessel connections between twins can sometimes lead to an unbalanced transfer of blood. One twin may develop anemia, while the other may develop a higher than expected red blood cell level.The book also introduces how TAPS is monitored during pregnancy using ultrasound and Doppler, what doctors are looking for over time, and what treatment can involve. It explains why many TAPS twins are born early and may need care in the NICU, while keeping the tone calm and reassuring for children and the adults reading with them.Created for shared reading with parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, The Red and White Twins gives families better words for complex medical ideas, plus room for questions and feelings that come up during a high stress pregnancy.Author: Stephanie Ernst, stephanieernst.nl, Instagram @stephanieernstwriter. Illustrations by Amanda Gautier-Ronopawiro, Instagram @gautierscientificillustration.