A little girl whose mother has Multiple Sclerosis discovers that some superheroes are fighting invisible battles. With the help of her cat and some X-ray glasses, she learns just how strong her mom is and how she can help her.
Darcie Naslund has been fighting a rollercoaster of a battle for many years. Finally, she decided to write this story to explain her invisible owies to her children. She fights for herself, but also for her family. This touching picture book explores the love of a mother and daughter who, together, can do (almost) anything.
Author: Darcie Naslund
Illustrator: Dania El Khatib
Ages: 5-9
Pages: 30
Dimensions: 9.5" x 9.5"
Language: English
ISBN: 978-1-77205-929-8
Book Launch on May 4, 2024
Darcie Naslund
Darcie holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and a Bachelor of Education After-Degree from Concordia University of Edmonton. She is a certified Early Childhood Supervisor and a trustee for her local public library. She has worked as an elementary teacher and preschool teacher for several years and is currently a substitute teacher, which has given her the opportunity to continue working with kids, write, and be home with her own three young children. Darcie is a member of the Canadian Society of Children's Authors, Illustrators and Performers (CANSCAIP), The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), the 12×12 Picture Book Challenge. When she is not teaching, writing, or reading loads of books to her kids and herself, she can be found outside with her growing collection of farm animals.
Dania El Khatib
Dania is a graphic designer and illustrator born in Beirut and now based in Ottawa. Her illustration journey started with a summer job as a comic illustrator while she was majoring in Arts and Archaeology. From there, a beloved childhood hobby swiftly and unexpectedly developed into an exciting career!
She has since worked as a graphic designer with Lebanese and international NGOs and institutions and designed diversified print and digital material for numerous educational projects, awareness campaigns, and events. She has even been the art director of a Lebanese children magazine, collaborated with Lebanese and Arab publishers and authors, and illustrated and designed more than 35 children’s books.
✍️ Book Reviews
This book really resonates with me. At first, the MC thinks her mother is not a superhero because she doesn't have a cape or run fast, but then the girl sees the invisible villains her mother fights every day. Her mother has MS and the girl learns that her mother really is a superhero.
~ Sarah Hovorka
This story will help children gain empathy and understanding about struggles other people have and see ways they are superheroes. As a mom with fibromyalgia, I would have liked to have this book to read to my boys to help them understand our situation better. I'm glad this book is out in the world.
~ Kim A. Larson
This is an important book for kids to be introduced in a fun and engaging way to the challenges of conditions such as MS. It is told in a way that is whimsical and captivating with beautiful illustrations full of movement and joy. It shows the difficulties of fighting a chronic condition and how kids can be a part of the team that helps the adult in their lives who is struggling. The book also contains informative back matter for more information on MS.
~ Aixa Perez-Prado
This story highlights the ways in which kids can be a big help, both physically and emotionally, to their adults. Illustrations are fantastic and the book's back matter does a lovely job explaining exactly what multiple sclerosis is -- though I'm confident this story's appeal will extend beyond the MS community.
~ Mary Boone
A touching story about a child who learns that their mother fights invisible owies and evil villains every day. Told from the child’s perspective, this book is full of love and understanding and will help children to comprehend the invisible illness known as Multiple Sclerosis.
~ Elizabeth
This is a heartwarming story of MS. I especially appreciated the extra information in the back explaining the disease in kid-friendly terms and offering thoughtful discussion questions.
~ Kate
All moms are really super heroes, but especially moms who fight invisible villains like multiple sclerosis and other debilitating conditions. This book lovingly helps children understand the challenges people with MS face everyday. And how to help their moms by sharing super hero strengths with them even when capes and x-ray glasses are not handy. Extensive back matter does an excellent job explaining MS to kids and adults and how to be a cape-wearing side-kick. El Kahtib’s illustrations are bright and cheerful, adding hope and love to the story.
~ Marie Prins