Cancer changes everything in a family's life. Often children have so many unanswered questions so quietly they struggle with secret doubts and worries. This book is by far the sweetest book on this subject written by a woman that has gone through this valley. Her thoughtful poetic style presents the truth that cancer is no ones fault, it does not change the love between the parent and child, it does not change the inside of a person. This book shows that truly it is that inward beauty that counts the most and makes the biggest difference. The deep love between the characters reassures small children that even this thing can be faced with security and love. I applaud this author for taking the time to write this children's book. I think it should be one that is recommended at support groups and in doctor's offices that treat cancer patients. It should be on stand-by at cancer treatment facilities to help children understand just what is going on - to help quiet their fears and set their little hearts at ease.

Thank you Sue Glader for this work of your heart! I received this review copy directly from the author free of charge in exchange for an unbiased review of the work. ( )

A little girl whose mom has cancer. ( )

This book breaks down the faces of cancer and what happens to the human body, especially the hair. Ages 9-12 ( )

“Having hunted for her mother’s hair, a young girl learns the truth about cancer while experiencing life (with hats, scarves, baldness, and love), during chemotherapy.”

Nowhere Hair is a wonderful way to begin a talk centered on cancer. The author uses comforting tones that will sooth young and old alike. No one wants to mix children in with cancer, yet life has a way of doing as it pleases. When it does strike, children need a way to understand all that is happening around them. They need to know they are not to blame, did not cause, nor will they be punished because of the illness their loved one is now suffering.

Nowhere Hair can be the starter to a great conversation. Children can learn to empathize with mom or grandma, or maybe an aunt dealing with the effects of chemotherapy. The image of a bald woman alludes to illness and this book helps take the scary out of the way mom looks, offering up alternatives to her once coiffed head. In the end, it is not the hair that matters, but the love.

Nowhere Hair uses humor in just the right places to keep this serious subject light for children. The illustrations capture the essence of the story with its light, curvy, watercolor strokes. Children live in a very small world. When something like cancer strikes, small ones need to know what is happening around them and how this will affect them. Nowhere Hair is the perfect story for the situation.

I really like the story for its insights to a child’s way of thinking. “It wasn’t something that I did. Or said. Or even thought. Dad promised me (he crossed his heart) it’s not because we fought.” The author is very much in touch with a child’s point of view. For anyone who has been in this situation the daughter’s words can be heart breaking. This is a great book for kids. The illustrations give the book a light, breezy feel; an inviting tone. The cover, with its sunny beach setting, instantly drew me in. I think anyone undergoing chemotherapy would enjoy this story. For that reason, Nowhere Hair makes an excellent gift for both young and old.

Received from author. ( )