Janna Matthies and I received a STARRED REVIEW from School Library Journal for our picture book, THE GOODBYE CANCER GARDEN!
"Smoothly told in a reassuringly matter-of-fact and understated way, this is less a story about cancer than about one family’s response to it... Realistic emotions like her general sadness or Janie’s brother’s dismay at his mom’s baldness are included, but are downplayed. The sketchy illustrations are tender and sweet. After the first “breaking the news” scene, every page depicts grateful smiles and loving camaraderie. Outdoor scenes provide a feeling of fresh air and the healing of nature. An uplifting, hopeful story, well told and beautifully illustrated." - STARRED REVIEW School Library Journal
"A family uses creativity and humor to cope with a mother's breast cancer treatment in this heartening and informed story... wispy illustrations are characterized by frenetic sketchy outlines that initially heighten the children's nervousness, but later feel suggestive of the family's energy and hopefulness, which should reassure children facing similar ordeals." - Publishers Weekly
"An unexpectedly upbeat text and delicate illustrations distinguish this story based on the true experiences of a family’s journey through breast cancer treatment and recovery....it is a rare youth title about cancer that focuses on recovery rather than dealing only with loss." - Booklist
In more personal news, I can't believe my baby girl is 1 already!
And boy, does she love her Curious George.
