Age 5-7 | Hardback | 36 pages | 250 x 250mm
Publication October 2018 | ISBN 9781912654635
Most of us can’t imagine having the time we spend with our children cut short, but this is the reality being faced by mother of two Lisa Wells, who was diagnosed with terminal bowel and liver cancer in December 2017 at the age of 32.
Only One of Me is the product of Lisa’s lifelong love of writing and friendship with award-winning children’s author Michelle Robinson. The two collaborated on this tender and moving rhyming poem, with charming illustrations by Tim Budgen, which is both a love letter to Lisa’s own daughters and a testament to the unwavering strength of parental love, a timeless message for families facing the challenges of bereavement.
The Only One of Me project grew from Lisa’s determination to leave a lasting legacy for her daughters and her desire to help other families rally against the difficulties of loss. Her activities have raised thousands for charity and huge public support through JustGiving has enabled the publication of these beautiful books. Sadly Lisa passed away in August 2019.
Charities
All author and illustrator royalties will be donated to the charities Mummy’s Star, which supports women and their families affected by cancer during pregnancy, and We Hear You (WHY), which provides free professional counselling to anyone affected or bereaved by cancer or other life threatening conditions.
Reviews/Endorsements:
'Only One of Me is a beautiful book written to help families prepare for the death of a parent. It is the creation of Lisa Wells, a young mother who has been told that she has only a few months to live. The book is warm and positive and full of love, not at all despondent or gloomy. It’s an ideal way in to what must be a horrendously difficult conversation to have with young children.' Pictures and Conversations
'An extraordinary picture book, filled with love, comforting words in simple, poetic verse, this is such a moving and comforting book. The illustrations are charming and inclusive. They bring life and reality while they also bring comfort and the strength of the parent/child bond that will survive even death.I can't think of a better book to help families facing all the challenges that bereavement brings, it is timeless, evocative, moving and flowing with positivity and reassurance.' Fallen Star Stories
'This is the most beautiful book in so many ways: I don't think it's possible to read it without crying. [...] It's a celebration of love and how we can be there for each other. It recognises that grief can take many forms and shows the family looking ahead while remembering Mum/Dad.' Juno Magazine
'The illustrations for this picture book are outstandingly sensitive and beautiful, reflecting the love between father and son - happy times as well as sad... People often write books about their experiences of cancer, but it is unusual to find one written by a mum for her own children, and very welcome it is. Both books will be important additions to this most difficult subject.' 5 Stars, Books for Keeps
'Originally a crowd-funded project, Only One of Me has already become a valuable addition to the canon of literature that helps children deal with grief.' Imogen Russell Williams, Times Literary Supplement