Welcome to my stop on the tour for Mama’s Knight. I am very honored to be part of this tour of a very special children’s book. Read below for my review and a giveaway!
Once upon a time . . . It’s how all heroes begin their story, and you’re a hero, too! Your mama has cancer, and it’s a scary journey, but you can help your mama just by being you—special, wonderful, YOU. Your mama loves you just the way you are. You are your mama’s knight.
Mama’s Knight: A Cancer Story of Love is an emotional toolbox that can help kids and parents communicate about what it means for Mama to have cancer. The book is filled with tools and activities designed to make coping with illness easier on both parent and child, and can be personalized for each child.
Buy the Book: Author’s Website
My Review: 5/5
What a fabulous and special book! When families are faced with terminal illness, communication can be hard…especially when children are involved. I’ve been fortunate enough to not have to deal with cancer myself, or my spouse; however, I know of a number of mothers (and fathers) who have been stricken with it and have little children. How do you explain to a child that you don’t have enough energy to play, eat dinner, or even get out of bed? How is a young and innocent child supposed to understand? This book can help explain what is happening (in a fun way), while also reinforcing just how special, strong, and LOVED the child is.
Two years ago, my mother developed lung cancer and survived. Even though I was a 40-year old ‘child’, it was difficult to understand exactly what she was going through. I couldn’t imagine if the same circumstance occurred when I was younger.
This book helps bridge the communication gap between mothers and their children who are dealing with cancer. The illustrations are colorful and add so much to the story. It deals with the issue in an informative, creative, and fun way. I have so many favorite parts, but I especially loved the games and activities included. There is a page devoted to helping the child express their emotions. (My 10 year old commented how much she liked that page too, because it can be used in all sorts of traumatic events, such as when her father and I divorced.) There is a website included at the bottom of the activity pages where more ideas are listed which is also great. When a parent is ill, it is so difficult to do certain things when there is zero energy. The activities add an alternative of spending time together, without requiring exertion.
My only complaint (and I wouldn’t even call it a complaint) would be that the book only focuses on a mother dealing with cancer, and not a father. I understand why, but I think it would have been even better if it was gender neutral, from a mom or a dad’s point of view. Perhaps another book can be written for fathers and children?
My maternal grandmother died from cancer when my mom was only 9 years old. She has told me stories of the last six months of her mom’s life, with her sitting on the hospital bed with her…her mom at a loss for words. She started crying when she read this book. She told me this book would have been absolutely perfect for when she was younger and her mom was sick. Her mom could have used to bring them closer together at the end and help them spend the last precious moments understanding.
A great read, and a book I very highly recommend!
Aurora Whittet started out as a wild red-haired girl in Minnesota dreaming up stories for her friends to read. Today, she has completed Bloodmark, Bloodrealms, and Bloodmoon of the Bloodmark Saga trilogy and started her journey into children’s books with Mama’s Knight in honor of her own mother who lost her battle with cancer. She’s a national award-winning graphic designer and birth doula in her day jobs. Aurora lives with her family in Minnesota.
Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook
Giveaway
Win a signed copy of Mama’s Knight: A Cancer Story of Love (USA only – 5 winners total)
Ends April 29
Kristin's Novel Café 