Joyce Burnette Howard

The Poison Arrow Joyce Burnette Howard

How do you tell a 6-year-old you have breast cancer? How do you tell her what cancer is? My daughter and I faced this dilemma. Children are often the unsung victims when family members undergo traumatic illnesses and treatments. Adults are overwhelmed with the facts and often simply do not know what to tell the children. Children can sense in atmosphere, actions and body language that something traumatic is happening in their home or family. "The Poison Arrow" is a story written for children to give them emotional reassurance and facts about cancer in a way they can understand; to explain what is happening in their parents' or loved ones' bodies; why the family adults get so upset and that this happens through no one?s fault. It is by anonymity and chance. Children often imagine they are somehow responsible for illnesses. Combining a fictional story with real-life elements and interactive study materials, "The Poison Arrow" explains what cancer is and how it happens in a clear and easy way for children to understand.