The first book was written for children under ten, to help them understand it's OK to ask questions about cancer. The second book deals with grief in children's terms. Children have vivid imaginations; truth is much easier for them.
When reading this story to children, the word (friend) is to be replaced by the name or identity of the person with cancer such as Grandma, Mother, Dad, or Uncle.
This booklet was written for my grandchildren, Mitchell age 10, Davis age 6, Breanna age 5, Caroline age 4 and baby Brenton.
My hope is for this booklet to become a tool in the hands of those facing the difficulty of sincere communication during crisis for the purpose of lightening the burden on children.
Illustrated by Jeff Davis
About the AuthorA former elementary school teacher, Doris has a B.S. degree in Elementary Education from Oakland City University and Masters in Education from the University of Evansville in Southern Indiana. When Doris was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004, one concern was telling her grandchildren. In response to this concern, Doris wrote a story to help explain cancer to her grandchildren. The result is a delightful story book for children to color. The Jumpy Lumpy Grumpy Frog helps children deal with cancer. This book will also be available in Spanish next year.
Doris has finished another book on "Helping Children through Grief." A third book in the series will tackle the difficult topic of Alzheimer's as it relates to children's grandparents and great grandparents. Long-range plans include a book to communicate the impact of bipolar to children.
Doris' thinks little about her breast cancer diagnosis. She underwent surgery, followed by radiation and remains on medication. "I never aspired to become a writer," says Doris. "But thanks to early detection, I am one."
Doris agrees, the fiber woven into each book is best explained by the name of her company F.R.O.G. Stories Inc., Fully Relying On God. Doris and her husband Bob now reside in Southern Indiana.
You may contact Doris at frogstories@att.net
