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Lasting Love

 


Lasting Love

By Caroline Wright, Illustrated by Willow Heath

New York : Rodale Kids, 2019.

As his mom comes home from the hospital after her cancer treatments, a young boy notices that she brought a magical friend home with her. This friend is all the strong parts of his mom and all the parts that love him. As the young boy spends time drawing, cooking, and reading with his mom, the magical friend is there too. As the mom grows more and more sick, the magical creature gets stronger. When his mom dies, the little boy feels so alone. In those moments of sadness, he learns that the magical creature never left and is part of his family now and helps him feel his mother’s love as he grows.

Death and cancer are two of the trickiest subjects to write about, but probably the most needed. As kids try to cope with the unpredictable nature, children’s books can be a source of understanding and healing. This book approaches the subject with tenderness and beautiful illustrations that bring the message home for little ones.

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