The Talking Lady Presents — Having a Brain Tumor

Elizabeth Levin is a professor of psychology at Laurentian University.

This book, which describes brain-tumor surgery in detail and with
sensitivity, is intended as the foreword indicates, to “ease the
anxiety and fear felt by the parents and the child.”

The story may be read cover to cover or by topic. “What Is a Brain
Tumor?” reassures the child that the tumor is not his or her fault.
Questions a child might have about everything from stitches and pain to
catheters and IV tubes are answered in “What Exactly Is an
Operation?” “After the Operation” deals with such issues as
variations in recovery. That some children will need further treatment
is noted but not discussed. Dying and nonsurgical treatment are not
addressed.

Illustrations are colorful and cartoonlike. Pages are left blank for
drawing (e.g., the child’s image of the tumor). The importance of
discussing the problem is stressed throughout. Highly recommended.