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.
This poignant story follows a child who 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. Finally, after a year of treatment, her mother gets to ring the bell that means she is better.
1 of 1 copy available
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Creators
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Publisher
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Release date
September 28, 2023 -
Formats
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Kindle Book
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OverDrive Read
- ISBN: 9780807580806
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Languages
- English
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Reviews
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September 1, 2023
A child faces big changes when Mama is diagnosed with cancer. Cancer, Mama says, is a "big sick." But she might be better in a year if she listens to her doctor, and then she'll get to ring a bell to celebrate her last day of chemotherapy. 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. Mama and the narrator still snuggle, have a picnic, and, with Daddy's assistance, observe Kindness Day (a day devoted to helping others). Finally, it's Mama's last day of chemo! Kids aren't allowed in the hospital, but the narrator rings in the joyful moment with Mama via video call. Though readers in similar circumstances may not share the narrator's abundant support system, including two parents, various friends and relatives, and a counselor, the simple matter-of-fact text and warm illustrations are comforting. An author's note reveals that the story is based on co-author Vincent's experience of explaining her breast cancer to her daughter and includes further advice for adults. The family is Jewish and light-skinned. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Informative and reassuring. (author's note from Churnin, resources, further reading) (Picture book. 4-8)COPYRIGHT(2023) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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