The Hope Tree: Kids Talk About Breast Cancer [Hardcover]

Laura Numeroff (Author), Wendy Schlessel Harpham (Author), David M. McPhail (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2001

A bestselling author and a physician draw on real-life experiences of children whose mothers have breast cancer for this story about a group of animal kids who form a support group. Full color.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Cuddly animal characters lay it on the line in the opening note of The Hope Tree: Kids Talk About Breast Cancer by Laura Numeroff and Dr. Wendy Harpham, illus. by David McPhail: "Once a week we play games and talk about movies, our families, sports, school, books, and, oh yeah, our moms' cancer." Drawing on actual accounts, the authors create a fictional support group, which addresses 10 topics familiar to families dealing with the disease. Originally published in 1999 with limited distribution, this paper-over-board edition will benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. A comforting and compassionate volume.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

K-Gr 4-A comforting picture book written to help children cope with a mother's breast cancer. The authors have created 10 "testimonials" by animal characters in an imaginary support group, allowing each of them to talk about issues they are facing. The "narrators," all between the ages of 5 and 12, describe how the family reacted to the diagnosis, meeting the doctors and nurses, trying to look for good things among the bad, and dealing with scary emotions, and they offer hints for helping Mom feel better. In the final spread, "Jessie, age 9 1/2," expresses her feelings and creates a hope tree, each leaf representing one wish for the future. The writing styles change with the age of the animal. McPhail's full-page illustrations of the animal children in typical human situations are appealing, and his colors are soft and reassuring. Young children of women with breast cancer, often stifled by the chaos and fear experienced by the family, would greatly benefit from the discussions this book should stimulate and the comfort it provides.

Mary R. Hofmann, Rivera Middle School, Merced, CA

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing (September 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 068984526X
• ISBN-13: 978-0689845260
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #316,532 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #60 in Books > Parenting & Relationships > Family Health

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Important Book, January 23, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The Hope Tree: Kids Talk About Breast Cancer (Hardcover)

I saw the author on the Today Show, and bought this because I know a family going through this difficulty. The book touches on many issues, but is really very positive. Good for bringing up discussion, especially for children who may be too frightened to share their feelings.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A WELL WRITTEN WORK. QUITE USEFUL, March 10, 2007

By 

D. Blankenship (The Ozarks) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Hope Tree: Kids Talk About Breast Cancer (Hardcover)

The author has used various animal characters to discuss impact of breat cancer that stricks the entire family, not just the victim. This one is written for the younger child and is an excellent tool to open and continue discussion with your children concerning this rather serious subject. The book is written with great sensitivity, yet answers hard to answer questions of a level that most young onces can understand. It is yet another great too. Recommend this one highly.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Hope Tree, March 10, 2010

By 

Dorian Lewis "DL" (MYRTLE BEACH, SC, US) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Hope Tree: Kids Talk About Breast Cancer (Hardcover)

I think the illustrator should do all childrens books :) Loved the pictures! The different stories were captivating and heart warming. This book could be used for any illness a family member is experiencing. I would love to meet this group of children and just listen to them share. The authors did a good (and I'm sure had a difficult)job at choosing the stories for this edition. Job Well Done!