CANCER HATES KISSES

Mothers are superheroes when they're battling cancer, and this empowering picture book gives them an honest yet spirited way to share the difficult experience with their kids.

Author Jessica Reid Sliwerski was diagnosed with breast cancer four months after giving birth to her daughter. And through all the stages of her treatment--surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, losing her hair--she thought about how hard it would be to talk to your child about cancer while coping with it. She wrote this picture book to give other parents and their children an encouraging tool for having those conversations--a lovingly upbeat book that is also refreshingly authentic and straightforward. With its simple text and heartwarming illustrations, Cancer Hates Kisses is relatable to any type of cancer.

Mama is a cancer-fighting superhero.
We give her lots of hugs.
Hugs help superheroes recharge.
Cancer hates hugs.

Coping with cancer: There are surprisingly few picture books about cancer treatment; this accessible and non-specific book will answer a large need.
An author trying to make a difference: Jessica Reid Sliwerski set out to write a book that models a soothing while honest and lively approach to talking about cancer. She used her own experience as a breast cancer survivor in developing this book that will provide so much comfort to kids and their parents.
Superhero approach: Kids will love the idea of mom being as strong and brave as a superhero, and moms will love the fact that this kick-butt Mama is depicted as a cool, casual woman who doesn't need to cover her bald head when she's at home.

Jessica Reid Sliwerski is an education technology pioneer and consultant, literacy specialist, and former elementary school teacher and assistant principal. This picture book was inspired by her own breast cancer treatment and recovery. She lives in San Francisco, California, with her husband and daughter.
Mika Song grew up in Manila, Philippines, and Honolulu, Hawaii before moving to New York to study at Pratt Institute. She worked in children's educational animation before devoting herself to writing and illustrating children's books. She lives in New York City with her husband and daughter. Cancer Hates Kisses is her second picture book.