Synopsis: Research has shown that building resilience in the face of adversity or challenges helps children and young people develop effective coping strategies and improve long-term outcomes across a spectrum of illnesses. “You Are So Much More: An Inspiration for Children Healing from Illness or Injury” by author Serena Tejpar and illustrators Anoosha Lalani and Iman Tejpar reminds children who have gone through or are going through an illness or injury, that they are indeed so much more.
With the publication of “You Are So Much More: An Inspiration for Children Healing from Illness or Injury“, trauma survivor and medical student Serena Tejpar shares a story of inspiration, reflection, and encouragement that can be read over and over again.
Critique: 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).
Editorial Note: Serena Tejpar is a medical student at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto with a Master of Science in Global Health and a Certificate in Narrative-Based Medicine. Serena carries a passion for the intersection of health humanities and clinical practice. She was commended for her commitment to improving the Canadian healthcare system and addressing inequities in healthcare systems worldwide following her experience as a trauma patient after a near-fatal motor vehicle collision in 2015. She has received numerous awards and honours in recognition of her leadership, community service, and resilience including being named YMCA Ontario’s Young Woman of Excellence, Top 50 Emerging Canadian Leader, and a Young Director with G(irls)20.
http://www.midwestbookreview.com/cbw/sep_22.htm#Health
The Health Shelf
You Are So Much More
Serena Tejpar, author
Anoosha Lalani & Iman Tejpar, illustrators
Loving Healing Press
5145 Pontiac Trail, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
www.lovinghealing.com
9781615996339, $29.95, HC, 44pp
Joanna Walitalo
Joanna Walitalo grew up in Oil City, MI, where she took art classes at Bullock Creek Schools taught by Mr. Matherne and Mr. Myers; both very talented artists, and teachers with endless patience. She earned a BS degree in Biology and Envi-ronmental Studies from Central Michigan University, and took art classes at the Midland Center for the Arts, where she had the opportunity to study under Armin Mersmann. While studying at CMU, she took art classes form Dietmar Krumrey II and Michael Volker. From there, she moved to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where she earned a Master of Forestry at Michigan Technological University. A strong love of the outdoors, and wild places, has led her to incorporate her pas-sion for art with her professional education in order to bring the beauty of wildlife and wild places closer to the general public through scientifically accurate artwork. By far, the artist that influenced Joanna the most throughout her life has been her mom, Barb Rogers, who taught art at Coleman Middle School, MI, for many years, and always encouraged and guided Joanna to incorporate art into all her endeavors. Today, Joanna continues to live with her loving husband James, and son little James, in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, working as an artist and illustrator.
