Mama’s Year with Cancer by Nancy Churnin and Shayna Vincent, illustrated by Wazza Pink. Albert Whitman & Company, 2023. 9780807580790
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5
Format: ARC (publication date 9/28/23) picture book
What did you like about the book? This heartwarming book on a difficult subject is very well done. Charming illustrations brighten the topic. A little girl struggles with her mother’s illness and treatments. It mentions the mother being really tired and that her medication has many side effects (hair falling out, extreme fatigue, lack of appetite, and weakened immune system). However, it also focuses on what the little girl can do to help and cheer herself and her family up. The throughline of the narrative is the bell that Mama will get to ring if she beats cancer. By the end of the book, she is able to ring that bell.
Anything you didn’t like about it? Not at all. I was a little concerned that it would be too sad/heavy, but it was really well done.
To whom would you recommend this book? Children ages 4-8, especially if they know someone struggling with cancer treatments. It will help them remember that there are still good times, that they can help out, and it can give them an idea of some things they might have to deal with.
Who should buy this book? Elementary schools and public libraries
Where would you shelve it? jFiction Churnin, picture books
Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Yes!
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Vicky Tandy, Athol Public Library, Athol, MA
Date of review: August 17, 2023
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