LUMPS AND BUMPS A BREAST CANCER STORY FOR CHILDREN CHOSEN FOR TOP CHOICES SUMMER 2009
 
WHEN MOM HAS BREAST CANCER
by Kathryn E. Livingston
 
The unfortunate truth is that one in eight women will receive a diagnosis of breast cancer, and many of these will be mothers.  One of the most difficult steps in facing this disease is sharing the news with others–particularly children.  To this end, Naava Parker of Englewood and Rochelle Hirsch of Manhattan, two breast cancer survivors and each the mother of three, have written and illustrated a wonderful new book that will help.  Called Lumps and Bumps: A Breast Cancer Story for Children, the story is told from the perspective of a little red-headed girl who learns that her mom has breast cancer (both women have a red-haired daughter as well as two sons).  The story is told in a positive, compassionate way that is sensitive to children’s thoughts and feelings.  Says Parker, a teacher, “When I began doing research I discovered that there was very little available on this topic for children, and the few books out there were very frightening.”  Adds Hirsch, a speech pathologist who founded Fifth Avenue Synagogue’s Creative Playschool, ” I love words, and I love to rhyme, so this is a medium that is very comfortable for me.“  Parker met Hirsch through a cousin and they became fast friends; the two were also honored at the annual gala of Sharsheret, a Teaneck charity that aids Jewish women diagnosed with the disease.
 
Lumps and Bumps: A Breast Cancer Story for Children, written by Rochelle Hirsch, illustrated by Naava Parker, paperback, $9.95 plus $3.95 shipping and handling