Why We Wrote Our Children’s Book About Cancer, “Mommy and Elsa Are Wellness Warriors”
Writing the Book We Needed
Looking for a children’s book about cancer that’s gentle, honest, and inclusive? So were we. That’s why we self-published Mommy and Elsa Are Wellness Warriors (affiliate link) – a story inspired by our own family’s experience, made for families like ours.
We’re a family of readers. Before our daughter was even born, we were reading to her—first during pregnancy, and the nights that followed. Both of us grew up loving stories. As kids, we found comfort, curiosity, and adventure in books. That love of reading stayed with us into adulthood, and it’s something we naturally started sharing with our children from the very beginning.
When Sophia was diagnosed with metastatic inflammatory breast cancer, we turned to stories again to help us cope. Books like Radical Remission by Dr. Kelly Turner and Heal by Kelly Noon Gores (affiliate links) gave us hope in those early days and helped us stay grounded instead of spiraling into paralyzing fear. Stories of healing and possibility helped us manage the emotional weight of it all.
When it came time to talk to our daughter about what was happening, books felt like a natural place to start.
Inspiration Behind Mommy and Elsa Are Wellness Warriors
We searched for kids books about cancer that might help explain cancer in a way our daughter could understand. She’s deeply curious and sensitive—we wanted something gentle, honest, and hopeful.
We found a few stories that helped start the conversation. But none fully captured our experience as a queer, Black and Latinx family navigating cancer together.
So we decided to create one ourselves.
The book began after Sophia completed her first round of treatment and our family had settled into a new rhythm. We were still adjusting to a hard reality, but we were also trying to create moments of comfort, play, and connection—especially for our daughter’s sake.
Our daughter chose the name “Elsa” for the main character (she and every child at school were in a big Frozen phase at the time), and that creative spark helped her feel more involved.
From the beginning, we knew we wanted to tell a story highlighting a child’s point of view—not about cancer itself, but about the kinds of changes a young child might notice when someone they love is in treatment (hair loss, appointments, changes in routine). Healing isn’t always a straight line—it can be unpredictable, with ups and downs. We wanted to honor that, while still offering a sense of safety and steadiness.
We focused on the little moments that helped us all feel grounded. Our daughter didn’t need long explanations—she needed reassurance, closeness, and the sense that we were still a team. This book reflects what changes had the most impact and what felt most nurturing for her, and for us.
Why “Wellness Warriors”?
We thought carefully about the language we used. The word warrior can mean many things—but for us, it’s not about looking tough or fighting in a traditional sense. It’s about showing up for yourself and the people you love, even when things are hard.
Being a Wellness Warrior might mean resting when you’re tired. It might mean letting yourself cry, asking for help, or finding joy in something small—like a favorite song, a plushie, or a quiet moment of connection. It’s about courage, but also compassion.
There’s also a literal warrior pose in yoga—something that’s been healing for all of us, physically and emotionally. The idea of grounding yourself, breathing through discomfort, and finding strength in stillness felt like the right metaphor for what we were navigating as a family.
We wanted our daughter to see that healing isn’t just physical—it can also be emotional and spiritual. And that everyone’s version of strength looks different.
What We Hope This Book Offers Families
We wrote Mommy and Elsa Are Wellness Warriors for families like ours: lovingly navigating something incredibly hard with tenderness and care. Whether you’re a parent with cancer, a caregiver, or a teacher helping a child through a tough time—we hope this book helps you:
- Start gentle, age-appropriate conversations
- Feel seen and supported
- Build connection in the midst of change
In the back of the book, we include a letter to grown-ups. It ends with this reminder:
Reading books about cancer with your child is an act of deep care. It means you are creating space for honesty and connection. It means you are helping them understand, in the most gentle way possible, what is happening in your family. That alone is a gift.
That’s the heart of why we created this story.
What’s Next in the Series
This is just the beginning. We’re working on more stories that follow Elsa, her two mommies, and her little brother as they go through everyday childhood adventures—big and small. Some books will explore more of the healing journey (like surgery and radiation), while others will simply show this family in all their fullness: starting kindergarten, visiting the farmers’ market, celebrating Pride, trying something new, or helping a sibling through a tough day.
Our hope is to keep telling stories where kids like ours feel seen, held, and loved.
Want to Share Mommy and Elsa Are Wellness Warriors With Your Family?
Help your child feel seen, supported, and gently guided through tough times. Whether you’re navigating breast cancer treatment or supporting someone who is, this heartfelt picture book offers comfort, connection, and hope—through the eyes of a young child.
🌈 Order your copy of Mommy and Elsa Are Wellness Warriors today and start meaningful conversations with the little ones you love.
