A must-read when cancer becomes a household word.
Every year across the globe, millions of people are diagnosed with cancer. And for these millions of new patients, there are millions more family members struggling to cope with a monstrous disease that has taken up residence within their loved one. My Dad and the Dragon is a kinetic book for children that deals with a grave subject in a lively and approachable manner. Cameron learns that his dad has cancer, a scary proposition for anyone, but for a little boy and his older sister, it is especially tough news to bear. Cameron shows how life changes for his family when cancer, referred to as the dragon in his dad, sneaks in. Some days seem normal while other days are difficult, like when dad’s dragon causes him to roar at Cameron or when fatigue makes dad too tired to wrestle. But one thing’s for sure, the whole family will need to come together to battle this cancer dragon.
My Dad and the Dragon is a must-read when cancer becomes a household word. Rich illustrations and simple language help children understand a complicated health issue in a format that is familiar to them. Montserrat Coughlin Kim takes a terrifying topic and demystifies it through an incredibly relatable cast of characters who have feelings that match our own. “I don’t think the doctors are right.” Who wouldn’t feel this way when a terrifying cancer diagnosis is lobbed on a family without warning? “I get worried that he might not come home.” What child wouldn’t harbor this fear in the face of a parent’s constant medical appointments and repeated hospital visits? And the heartrending, “I am scared.” Parents have an intrinsic need to protect their children, but when cancer enters the home, the disease takes center stage, leaving the caregiving family members and kids vulnerable. Parents will find this book to be invaluable when explaining cancer to young ones, or helping them cope with the news of such a painful and tragic diagnosis among their family or friends. A real comfort and a valuable tool, My Dad and the Dragon is a beautiful resource for families that experience such afflictions.
