My first book Communicating Cancer to Children was written for children under ten, to help them understand asking questions about cancer is okay. It actually was written as a story to explain my cancer to our grandchildren, a year later it became a book.
The second book in the series Helping Children Through Grief deals with death in children's terms. Children have vivid imaginations; truth is much easier for them.
The third book was requested by our funeral home customers. Good-Bye Grandpa Frog prepares them for the funeral home experience and makes it easier for them to participate. This book may be used as a tool by adults to help the child overcome fear resulting from lack of understanding.
My hope is for these books to become tools in the hands of those facing the difficulty of sincere communication during crisis for the purpose of lightening the burden on children.
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
