Mama's year with cancer

Nancy Churnin

Book - 2023

Through love and understanding, a young girl helps her mother bravely overcome a yearlong battle with cancer. Includes an author's note and information on how to talk to young children about cancer.

Saved in:

Children's Room Show me where

jE/Churnin
2 / 2 copies available
Location Call Number   Status
Children's Room jE/Churnin Checked In
Children's Room jE/Churnin Checked In
Subjects
Genres
Picture books
Published
Chicago, Illinois : Albert Whitman & Company 2023.
Language
English
Main Author
Nancy Churnin (author)
Other Authors
Shayna Vincent (author), Wazza Pink (illustrator)
Physical Description
1 volume (unpaged) : color illustrations ; 27 cm
Audience
Ages 4-8.
Grades K-1.
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references.
ISBN
9780807580790
Contents unavailable.
Review by Kirkus Book Review

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 (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.