Cancer Hates Kisses

PreS-Gr 1— As a woman bravely battles cancer, her loving family stands with her every step of the way. The kids know their mother is no ordinary mom; to them she is a "cancer fighting superhero!" She is brave, even when she needs surgery. Afterwards, the children kiss her "warrior wounds." When her hair falls out after chemo, they tell her she looks fierce. Sometimes she is tired and sad, but cancer hates dance parties, so they dance the tears away. Fighting cancer is hard work, but cancer hates compliments, and hugs, and high fives, and together their family has the superhero strength to fight the disease. An approachable and empowering story that describes the hardships that cancer brings and meets each one with an equally empowering affirmation such as "cancer hates kisses" and "cancer hates laughter." The book skillfully pushes through the fear and confusion and helps readers focus on how they can support their loved one. The cheery, light, watercolor-wash illustrations create a cozy and comforting mood as the story follows the family through the stages of treatment and recovery. Endpapers include a note from a cancer specialist with information for caregivers on talking about cancer with their children and a note from the author describing her own experience battling breast cancer after the birth of her daughter.