San Francisco Book Review
You Are So Much More follows the tumultuous journey of a young girl who is struggling with her chronic illness. While other children her age are playing outside, going to school, and experiencing the freedom of youth, she must stay in hospital to receive treatment. Since her condition is not mentioned, the story should be easily relatable for any child struggling with any serious ailment. The author acknowledges how scary it can be to live with a serious condition, but also offers hope and encouragement for young survivors.
Midwest Book Review
Thoroughly 'child friendly' in storyline and presentation, "You Are So Much More: An Inspiration for Children Healing from Illness or Injury" is a superbly crafted picture book for children ages 5-7. While very highly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library health/medicine collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "You Are So Much More: An Inspiration for Children Healing from Illness or Injury" is also available in a paperback edition (9781615996322, $16.95) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.95).
Beck Valley Books: Book Tour
I think You Are So Much More is a great book for adults and children, but it can be for more than just a child with a physical illness or injury.
The book is certainly written for a physical illness or injury, including a hospital stay or visit, but I feel like this book is also amazing for those – adults and children – with mental health issues.
As a mom with mental health (I have depression and anxiety), raising a child with mental health issues (ADHD, ODD, anxiety, and depression); this book is a great reminder that we, too, are so much more than our diagnosis. We aren’t our illness. We are people. We have good days and bad just as someone with a physical illness or injury may. Our illness is just invisible.
There is a little boy in my life who struggles with mental health issues as well and I think You Are So Much More would be the perfect gift for him (and more age appropriate than my teenage son).
The story seems simple enough for young readers; I am thinking maybe 2nd or 3rd grade level. There are not a lot of words and most of the words are easy to read words.
Whether you know a child with a physical illness or injury or a mental one; I think You Are So Much More is a great gift to remind them that they are not their illness or injury, but people who giggle, have fun, and are brave!
- Leels Loves Books
Beck Valley Books: Book Tour
It is hard enough for an adult to be in a hospital bed--but at least they have some idea of why they are in there and what those nurses and doctors are doing! They are also mostly aware of what happened to put them in there. When a child is in a hospital bed all sorts of things go through their heads--like did I do something wrong--and when will I be able to get out of here and get back to normal. It is up to the parent to attept to explain-which may not be all that easy. The illustrations may help your child.
After the illustrations is a section for parents on how to deal with the sick child. All of it seems to be very good advice and is well worth the read!!
- Miki's Hope
Beck Valley Books: Book Tour
The pain and trauma of dealing with an illness can be scary and overwhelming for anyone, but for a child it can become so much more since they may not even understand what is happening with their little bodies. They most likely have so many unanswered questions, and not all caregivers are equipped with the tools to help soothe their fears, guide their little minds and offer comfort during a very hard situation.
With this book, You are so Much More, caregivers and children suffering with an illness are given a source to help express their fears and discover positive affirmations that can help with these difficult situations. The words in this book truly come from a place of vulnerability and pure love. It helps all those dealing with illness to learn to be open and accepting about the situation, while giving space to grieve, be angry, and to know that it is okay to feel these emotions. The “Final Word” section speaks directly to caregivers giving them even more tools that can help them cope and be that person the child will need.
- Rachel Quail (ebook Addicts)
Beck Valley Books: Book Tour
I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
This is not a book for all children, but it is an absolutely amazing book for children who are sick and are in the hospital. It is a great resource for parents to help children find strength and hope within themselves. At a time when parents are overwhelmed, this book can help them convey to their child that they are not just the illness, that they are a special person who has so much to offer.
The illustrations are realistic, colorful, and are perfect for the text. My favorite page: “You are a loving soul. A child. A little giggler. An explorer. A friend. The most mischievous little munchkin.”
This would make a great gift for someone whose child is ill.
- Bound4Escape
Beck Valley Books: Book Tour
I love introducing children to books as early as possible. Even if they are too young to fully understand the concept, they are learning! This is a book that I highly recommend all parents and caregivers add to their collection. In many books, we often only see healthy children. Unfortunately, the reality is that not all children are blessed with good health. It's important for them to have their own stories, too!
We often are teaching our children about inclusion, yet one of the ways we tend to forget is children who are dealing with illnesses/diseases/sickness. If you are blessed with healthy children, I encourage reading this book with them so they can understand what others are going through. The communication that this book opens up is endless! It helps to accept that an assortment of emotions are going to occur and I believe it's important to express that to your kids!
Fantastic resource that includes illustrations that help emphasize an important topic so kids can understand on their own level!
-Shelly Maynard
Beck Valley Books: Book Tour
You Are So Much More is a beautifully illustrated children's book, giving and providing a voice to those who have suffered and are suffering with an illness.
It promotes enabling children to embrace and feel their true emotions during a difficult time , whilst also emphasising how they are also so much more than their illness. They have achieved and done things, and they can continue to live and enjoy more opportunities. It is removing a lot of stigma around children and many conditions and educating those who perhaps are not aware of how to communicate around such issues.
The pictures are captivating and the language concise to ensure children are kept entertained and transfixed, and as an adult I thought it was a really good book to help educate children like my son when he is older. In the back of the book there is further information and I liked how there was a snippet to explain the purpose of the book and how the idea arose for the author.
Healing is often a long and difficult process, and it helps to have reference material such as this to help guide people.
- Carly Louise Wilson