I’m so excited to share this book with you. Check out my 5 Star review of Mama’s Knight. And enjoy the interview with Author Aurora Whittet.
And don’t forget to enter the giveaway!
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Interview with Aurora Whittet, author of
Mama’s Knight: A Cancer Story of Love
There are many books out there about cancer. What makes yours different?
The big difference with Mama’s Knight, is that it is personalizable. No matter what type of cancer you have, breast, brain, thyroid, this book can help your children understand what is happening. Mom can write in her diagnosis and symptoms. Put in photos of her child and find activities based on mom’s energy level. Most books are concentrated on one type of cancer, but I wanted to create something that any mom with any cancer could find hope and help.
How long have you been writing?
I have been writing stories since I was about eleven or twelve years old. Naturally those ones were terrible, but my friends enjoyed them at the time. I continued writing, and one day when my mom was diagnosed with cancer, I realized I needed to start pursuing publishing now, because tomorrow wasn’t a guarantee. I published my first novel in 2013, and have since finished the entire Bloodmark Saga series, followed by Mama’s Knight: A Cancer Story of Love. It has been an amazing and creative journey. I’m currently in edit for a new novel, illustrating the daddy version of the cancer book, and writing and illustrating a children’s picture book about monsters. I am endlessly creating something. Keep an eye on my Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for updates and Cover Reveals.
Is there a specific ritualistic thing you do during your writing time?
I like to listen to the same song on repeat every time I write on a book. Sometimes with longer novels, that can be three or four different songs based on the mood of that section of the book, but whichever song it is, that one is on repeat. It helps me set the tone, return me to where I was the day before, and drown out any distractions, while not becoming a distraction itself.
If you could go back in time, where would you go?
I would go back to the moment that the doctors told my mom she had cancer again and I would buy us tickets for a week in somewhere amazing and take that moment. I would take her on a trip. I would help her see all the things she dreamed. I kept saying when she’s healthier we’ll go, but she never got better. Sometimes you truly must live in the moment, because tomorrow is never a promise. I would go back to that moment and I would help hug her. What I wouldn’t give for one more hug from my mom.
If there is one thing you want readers to remember about you, what would it be?
You know I don’t think it’s about me. I’m just a mom who writes books. What I want readers to remember is to always love, forgive, find grace, make time, be kind. Be there. Be present. Take the photo of your kids, but also put the phone down and just play. Make the wonderful homemade meal, and make the dinner from a bag. Don’t live by someone else’s standards, make your own rules and find happiness. Life is unexpected and chaotic and there is an ever-present unknown expiration date, so don’t put off the fun and hugs and life for tomorrow, because tomorrow may never come, so love hard every day. And one must always hold the door for the next guy.
Genre: Children’s Book / Interactive / Non Fiction
My Review
Families coping with cancer will find this book invaluable. It’s an interactive book designed to be personalized with children’s names and family pictures, and includes activity plans, and cute, colorful pictures to help a mother with cancer explain treatments and symptoms with their young ones.
I especially liked the idea of coupons the kids can fill out choosing who will help them with an activity when mother is too tired or ill to participate. This is just one of many helpful ideas.
I can honestly say I’ve never come across a book like this before. Very helpful and one of a kind.
5 Stars
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Synopsis
Once upon a time . . . It’s how all heroes begin their story, and you’re a hero, too! Your mama has cancer, and it’s a scary journey, but you can help your mama just by being you—special, wonderful, YOU. Your mama loves you just the way you are. You are your mama’s knight.
Mama’s Knight: A Cancer Story of Love is an emotional toolbox that can help kids and parents communicate about what it means for Mama to have cancer. The book is filled with tools and activities designed to make coping with illness easier on both parent and child, and can be personalized for each child.
Buy the Book: Author’s Website
Author Aurora Whittet
Aurora Whittet started out as a wild red-haired girl in Minnesota dreaming up stories for her friends to read. Today, she has completed Bloodmark, Bloodrealms, and Bloodmoon of the Bloodmark Saga trilogy and started her journey into children’s books with Mama’s Knight in honor of her own mother who lost her battle with cancer. She’s a national award-winning graphic designer and birth doula in her day jobs. Aurora lives with her family in Minnesota.
Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook
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Follow The Tour
April 3 – Library of Clean Reads – book spotlight / giveaway
April 4 – Working Mommy Journal – review / giveaway
April 5 – Cheryl’s Book Nook – review / author interview / giveaway
April 6 – Books, Dreams, Life – review / author interview / giveaway
April 7 – 100 pages a day – review / guest post / giveaway
April 10 – A Mama’s Corner of the World – review / giveaway
April 11 – Heidi’s Wanderings – review / giveaway
April 12 – Fantastic Feathers – review
April 13 – ReadingBifrost – review / giveaway
April 14 – T’s Stuff – review / guest post / giveaway
April 17 – Svetlana’s Reads and Views – review
April 18 – Deal Sharing Aunt – review / giveaway
April 19 – FUONLYKNEW – review / author interview / giveaway
April 20 – Book Room Reviews – review / guest post
April 21 – Kristin’s Novel Cafe – review
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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!
For a list of my reviews go HERE.
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To see all of my giveaways go HERE
Sounds like a must have for kids of cancer victims.
Such a wonderful book, Stormi:)
I have a play list for when I write too. Oh my I think this book would undo me. That answer about taking your mom on a trip almost did. I had a very hard time dealing with my mom’s cancer. Still have.
A thoughtful interview and so glad the author shared with us! So sorry about your mother.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Aurora.
sherry @ fundinmental
What a wonderful idea. I love this book. It would’ve been nice to have one for my Dad when he went through cancer–or at least a grown up child version. I had my father tell me a few stories about his life before it became too hard for him to speak. So glad I did. I treasure those stories.
It is a wonderful idea. So sorry about your father. You must cherish those stories:)