When this little girl's mama is diagnosed with cancer — a "big sick" that requires treatments that last a long time — her family know it's going to be a difficult year. The girl watches her mother go through the pain and distress of hospital stays, surgery, and chemotherapy. She helps her mother by sharing jokes, crafting get-well cards, and giving hugs, and she tries to be understanding when they can’t do all the things they used to do. And finally, after a year of treatment, her mother gets to ring the bell that means she is better!
This tender story explores the impact of a parent's cancer diagnosis on a child's daily life, while offering kids ways to help loved ones on their recovery journey. Inspired by co-author Shayna Vincent's experience explaining her breast cancer to her daughter, and including tips for adults to help support kids as their loved one goes through treatment, this poignant picture book is a much-needed resource.
"The young narrator relates how Mama receives chemo through a port, loses her hair, and experiences fatigue. Mama explains that cancer isn’t contagious and is nobody’s fault. Sometimes it’s hard; Mama’s port makes cuddling difficult, and she’s too tired to play much. But the family’s love shines through as Pink’s cozy cartoon illustrations mark the passing year, including their Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Hanukkah celebrations.... Informative and reassuring." — Kirkus Reviews
Recommended Age | 4 - 8 |
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Author | Nancy Churnin, Shayna Vincent |
Illustrator | Wazza Pink |
ISBN | 0807580791 |
Publication Date | Sep 28, 2023 |
Publisher | Albert Whitman & Company |
Language | English |