Quote of the day: "There is a temperate zone in the mind, between luxurious indolence and exacting work; and it is to this region, just between laziness and labor, that summer reading belongs."
~Henry Ward Beecher
Title: A day in the life of a young boy living with Cystic Fibrosis
"Sticky Icky Booger Bugs"
Author: Sherry Frith
Illustrator: Carol Newell Walter
Ages: 0-7
This book was written by Sherry Frith for her two sons who both were diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. She wanted to give them a gift and an explantation for their condition.
What is Cystic Fibrosis? (CF)
(excerpt taken from Kidshealth.org)
CF is a disease that causes the body to make, thick, sticky mucus. This causes problems to two major areas: the lungs and the digestive system. Healthy lungs produce mucus, which protects the airways and make it easier to breathe. But for a person with CF, the mucus is thick and sticky and can clog up the lungs. This creates a place where bacteria can easily grow - and bacteria cause infections.
It's not only the airways and lungs that are affected in a person who has CF. Mucus-producing cells line the digestive tract, including the stomach, intestines, live, pancreas, and reproductive organs. The pancreas produces enzymes that help digest food and hormones that help absorb sugar. When thick mucus in the pancreas clogs up the narrow passageways, it can be difficult for people to digest food and get all the vitamins and nutrients they need.
CF affects more than 30,000 children and young adults in the U.S. It can be mild or severe, depending on the person. To make normal mucus, the body needs a special protein. This protein is defective in CF, producing the thick, sticky mucus that causes problems for people with CF. CF is an inherited disease.
The aim of CF treatment is to keep the lungs clear of mucus and free of infection. It is also important for someone with CF to eat well.
About the book:
This is a tale about a boy named Kory who has Cystic Fibrosis and documents his daily routine as he goes about battling this disease so he won't have to go to the hospital. With his medicine routine he puffs his inhaler, dons his shaker vest, eats good food, and always remembers to take his pep and gas-attack pills. He is a normal boy who loves to play soccer, loves recess and playing outdoors with his best friend Cody as they explore their neighbourhood in costume. It is a daily battle of keeping those sticky icky booger bugs away so he can experience life to the fullest. The story reinforces the fact he is loved no matter what his medical situation my be. The illustrations are soft, expressive and add so much to the text.
About the author:
Sherry Frith is a mother of three boys and the founder of Helping Hearts, a nonprofit organization. She has patents and copyrights pending in various areas and lives each day full of new ideas and grace. She lives in Bakersfield, CA, with her sons - Kyle, Kevin, and Kory.
About the Illustrator:
Carol Newell Walter majored in fine fine arts at Wayne State University and earned a BA and teaching credentials from California State University - Bakersfield. Now retired, Carol and her husband live in Bakerfield, CA, where she continues to create all kinds of artwork.
Book Review Rating: 8 (Fantastic!)
Read on and read always.
I hope this book and my synopsis of the disease was helpful today and shed some light on the struggles of thousands of kids who live with CF each day. Do you know anyone suffering from CF?
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