Some Days: A Tale of Love, Ice Cream, and My Mom's Chronic Illness

by Julie A. Stamm, Chamisa Kellogg (Illustrator)

Overview

Nothing can stop Wyatt and Rosie in this heartwarming tale about having a parent with a chronic illness

Even when Wyatt’s mom isn’t feeling her best, he still thinks she’s a superhero! Rosie and Wyatt go on adventures every day: On sleepy days, they build a cozy pillow fort just for two. On wobbly days, Wyatt gets out Rosie’s magical walking stick and they cast spells on his toys. And on one super-special day, the whole family heads to town for the big “funraiser”!

Warm and uplifting, Some Days is the perfect story to share with your child about life with multiple sclerosis—or any chronic illness. Although some days are fast and some are slow, Rosie and Wyatt fill each one with love, excitement, and fun . . . not to mention ice cream!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781615198108
Publisher:	The Experiment, LLC
Publication date:	10/26/2021
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	8.60(w) x 9.60(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	3 Months to 4 Years

About the Author

Julie A. Stamm was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2007. Since then, Julie has made it her mission to educate, advocate for, and support others battling the disease, giving her the opportunity to work with physicians, patients, and foundations across the globe. She lives with her partner, son, and two pups in Colorado.

Chamisa Kellogg is an illustrator based in Portland, Oregon. She has created artwork for children’s books, brands, games, and animation. See more of Chamisa’s work at chamisakellogg.com.

Editorial Reviews

"I absolutely love this resource for families, and the courage [Stamm has] had to share this story."

Montel Williams

"Julie is truly resilient and we admire her dedication to the MS Movement. She is a champion of our mission and empowers others to live their best lives."

Dana Miele

"I am always in awe of what mama bears around the world are capable of. Julie Stamm is an #MSWarrior who wrote a very important book . . . which teaches kids about living with chronic illness. We need more books like this, books that empower us all!"

Lynda Carter

"A perfect and charming book [that] my own child has asked me to read again and again. . . . [Offers] invaluable assurance to children that when mom is fragile with MS, time spent together is still perfect time. Even with imperfections."

Selma Blair

"A wonderful tool to help parents educate their children about MS or any chronic illness."

MS Views News

"A great children’s picture book for anyone trying to help kids understand what chronically ill parents go through on a daily basis."

The Mighty

A perfect and charming book [that] my own child has asked me to read again and again. . . . [Offers] invaluable assurance to children that when mom is fragile with MS, time spent together is still perfect time. Even with imperfections.”—Selma Blair, actress 

“This beautiful picture book shares an affirming message that honestly and unapologetically reflects life with a parent who has a chronic illness. . . . A loving, tender celebration of the mother-child bond.”—Kirkus Reviews starred review

“I am always in awe of what mama bears around the world are capable of. Julie Stamm is an #MSWarrior who wrote a very important book . . . which teaches kids about living with chronic illness. We need more books like this, books that empower us all!”—Lynda Carter, actress

“Julie is truly resilient and we admire her dedication to the MS Movement. She is a champion of our mission and empowers others to live their best lives.”—Dana Miele, president of the National MS Society, Greater New York City and Long Island Chapter

“I absolutely love this resource for families, and the courage [Stamm has] had to share this story.”—Montel Williams, motivational speaker and former host of The Montel Williams Show

“A great children’s picture book for anyone trying to help kids understand what chronically ill parents go through on a daily basis.”—The Mighty  
 
“A wonderful tool to help parents educate their children about MS or any chronic illness.”—MS Views News  
 

From the Publisher

★ 2021-07-27
Not all superheroes wear capes, and the mom in this story proves just that.

Young narrator Wyatt shares how Mom may not always feel super, but “she uses her superpowers to battle her [multiple sclerosis].” No matter how good or bad she feels, they always have adventures, big and small. Some days when Mom is tired, they play in a special fort just for two. Some days, Mom is a bit unsteady, but with her magical stick, they can cast spells on Wyatt’s toys. No matter what they face, they will always have each other and fill each day with love. This beautiful picture book shares an affirming message that honestly and unapologetically reflects life with a parent who has a chronic illness. Author Stamm was diagnosed with M.S. in 2007 and, according to her concluding note, wrote this story to serve “as a tool to reinvent the perception of chronic illness and empower the children battling alongside their superhero parents.” She does just that, using Wyatt’s narrative to share ideas for entertaining games while managing symptoms and side effects of a long-term illness. Kellogg’s illustrations notably construct an unshakeable parent-child relationship using warm, vibrant colors and joyful expressions. Love and acceptance radiate on every page. Wyatt, his mom, and the unidentified man who sometimes accompanies them—sensitively leaving readers to their own interpretations of the relationship—all present White. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A loving, tender celebration of the mother-child bond. (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews