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Chrysalis
When Kaley discovers that she needs to have heart surgery, she is introduced to new doctors, hospitals, and diagnoses. At first she feels overwhelmed, but before long, she receives a mysterious a book about Morrie, a caterpillar who needs help making his chrysalis so he can turn into a butterfly. This lyrical fairytale helps Kaley to be brave throughout the surgery and recovery process—and to find her own inner beauty.
Inspired by a true story, Chrysalis is an early chapter book that infuses fact and fable. It is written to be inclusive of older kids and teens with developmental disabilities such as autism and Down syndrome. It supports knowledge, attitudes, and social-emotional skills related to surgery and recovery. The book includes checklists for kids and caregivers, a caregivers' conversation guide, and links to additional resources.
Inspired by a true story, Chrysalis is an early chapter book that infuses fact and fable. It is written to be inclusive of older kids and teens with developmental disabilities such as autism and Down syndrome. It supports knowledge, attitudes, and social-emotional skills related to surgery and recovery. The book includes checklists for kids and caregivers, a caregivers' conversation guide, and links to additional resources.
129 pages, Paperback
Published March 28, 2023
2 people want to read
About the author
Deanna Altomara
5 books17 followersFascinated by reading and writing from a young age, Deanna Altomara has dreamed of publishing her own novel since the fourth grade. Working hard to pursue her goals, she wrote Ageless in fifth grade, and has since worked diligently on editing and publishing her manuscript. In the meantime, she has entered and won several writing competitions, most notably by placing first in the 2014 International Scenario On-Site Competition in Future Problem Solving and second in the FPS International Scenario Competition. Currently, she is editing her next book, Pi, for publication, and is working on its sequel.
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Find Deanna here:
daltomara@gmail.com https://deannaaltomara.wordpress.com/
https://www.facebook.com/authordeanna...
http://deannaaltomara.tumblr.com/ http://instagram.com/deannaaltomara
http://pinterest.com/altomara/boards/
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 11, 2023
Illustrations by Yifei Gao
As parents, we never want to think about our children needing surgery, but nevertheless such situations can occur. Should those children also present developmental disabilities, then the whole issue becomes even more complicated. This early chapter book offers a wonderful way to guide kids through such complicated moments, using a beautiful metaphor, the one of the chrysalis. I loved this book so much and I think it should be part of every home library. Instead of burying our fears deep inside, it is for the best to acknowledge the unpredictable and be prepared to handle it.
My opinion:
The story revolves around Kaley, a girl who needs to have heart surgery, feeling overwhelmed at the multitude of doctors and the constant trips to the hospital. The whole experience feels surreal and, as a mother, I must admit that my heart skipped a beat. Kaley receives a beautiful book, one about a caterpillar. We all know that caterpillars turn into butterflies, after spending some time metamorphosing, in a chrysalis. This is the book that will offer Kaley the strength and courage to overcome the difficult moment in her life. You cannot read this book without crying, but these are good tears, as once again, we are shown that children are capable of amazing things.
As always, I am always passionate about books that are inspired by a true story. Chrysalis won me over, and I think that it offers an important lesson, the one of looking inside yourself and finding the strength to overcome difficult moments. Parents stand a lot to gain from reading this book with their children, especially since it contains a lot of information on how to handle surgical interventions and the post-recovery period. It focuses on resilience, a skill that can help anyone face the challenges of life. Most importantly, it is written in a simple language, so that early readers might attempt to read it on their own.
The story is accompanied by beautiful illustrations, and I think it also illustrates the strong love a mother bears for her children. Kaley’s mom is always there, offering her support and love, guiding the girl through the long recovery. And if you love butterflies, there is definitely something to be discovered in the story, guaranteed to make you smile. Just take your time and read this story to your child, as it might remind you of how precious life is, and how easily things can change. When coming at a difficult point in your child’s health, books like this one might be just what you needed to make it through.
Verdict:
This was a beautiful book to read, one which I would recommend to children and parents alike! I enjoyed following Kaley’s story and rooted for her to get better soon. At the same time, I felt emotional upon seeing how involved her mother was, doing whatever was necessary to help her through those difficult moments. The butterfly metaphor is a great choice, I think it adds to the emotion of the whole story. I will let you to discover who inspired the story, I am sure it will bring you a smile on your face. At the end of the book, there are several useful resources, such as a surgery checklist, a caregiver checklist, and a conversation guide for caregivers. Highly recommended!
As parents, we never want to think about our children needing surgery, but nevertheless such situations can occur. Should those children also present developmental disabilities, then the whole issue becomes even more complicated. This early chapter book offers a wonderful way to guide kids through such complicated moments, using a beautiful metaphor, the one of the chrysalis. I loved this book so much and I think it should be part of every home library. Instead of burying our fears deep inside, it is for the best to acknowledge the unpredictable and be prepared to handle it.
My opinion:
The story revolves around Kaley, a girl who needs to have heart surgery, feeling overwhelmed at the multitude of doctors and the constant trips to the hospital. The whole experience feels surreal and, as a mother, I must admit that my heart skipped a beat. Kaley receives a beautiful book, one about a caterpillar. We all know that caterpillars turn into butterflies, after spending some time metamorphosing, in a chrysalis. This is the book that will offer Kaley the strength and courage to overcome the difficult moment in her life. You cannot read this book without crying, but these are good tears, as once again, we are shown that children are capable of amazing things.
As always, I am always passionate about books that are inspired by a true story. Chrysalis won me over, and I think that it offers an important lesson, the one of looking inside yourself and finding the strength to overcome difficult moments. Parents stand a lot to gain from reading this book with their children, especially since it contains a lot of information on how to handle surgical interventions and the post-recovery period. It focuses on resilience, a skill that can help anyone face the challenges of life. Most importantly, it is written in a simple language, so that early readers might attempt to read it on their own.
The story is accompanied by beautiful illustrations, and I think it also illustrates the strong love a mother bears for her children. Kaley’s mom is always there, offering her support and love, guiding the girl through the long recovery. And if you love butterflies, there is definitely something to be discovered in the story, guaranteed to make you smile. Just take your time and read this story to your child, as it might remind you of how precious life is, and how easily things can change. When coming at a difficult point in your child’s health, books like this one might be just what you needed to make it through.
Verdict:
This was a beautiful book to read, one which I would recommend to children and parents alike! I enjoyed following Kaley’s story and rooted for her to get better soon. At the same time, I felt emotional upon seeing how involved her mother was, doing whatever was necessary to help her through those difficult moments. The butterfly metaphor is a great choice, I think it adds to the emotion of the whole story. I will let you to discover who inspired the story, I am sure it will bring you a smile on your face. At the end of the book, there are several useful resources, such as a surgery checklist, a caregiver checklist, and a conversation guide for caregivers. Highly recommended!
May 3, 2023
Kaley needs open-heart surgery and (as any child or teen would be) fears the process. She must have a lot of tests done and meet a bunch of different doctors, which is making her experience all kinds of different feelings! She has a great support system but is still nervous. Then one morning Kaley wakes-up to find a mysterious present; it’s a book about an adorable little caterpillar, named Morrie, who is scared to build his chrysalis and turn into a butterfly. Fortunately, Morrie gets help from his parents, friends, and doctors, and even though he is scared, he trusts them and turns into a beautiful butterfly. This story builds Kaley’s confidence as she heads into the surgery and recovery process. She even gets to grow her own butterflies!
The best thing about this book is the detail it goes into about the whole process, yet it is in terms that will help adults and children understand what to expect. She explains about the different doctors, tools they use, anesthesia, scars, healing, and what to expect after.
I also love the reoccurring theme of the importance of bravery! “Right now, you are learning how to be brave. Bravery, kindness, and love- those are things that help you to be beautiful on the inside and outside” (p. 33). There are a lot of discussions about feelings, and how it is okay to feel many different things. Talk about them and learn things that help you to cope. This really stood out to me because I have a 7-year-old son on the spectrum, and once he could start to verbalize his feelings it made all the difference- we are still learning on how to help him cope in different situations. He was hospitalized when he was 5 for dangerously low blood pressure and I think this book would have helped us, even though it was a very different situation.
The last twenty pages are for the parents/caregivers; they include, resources, tips, and a checklist. The tips also had a lot of things to remember if your child has autism. I wish I had that for our brief hospital stay. The staff all behaved as if they knew nothing about autism, and I should have been more verbal about his needs.
If you or someone you know is about to have surgery or even have frequent doctor visits, etc… this book could really make a difference. It’s a cute storyline while still being so informative. I love how Deanna says in her authors note that she couldn’t find a book about surgery for teens, so she just decided to write it herself. That’s inspiring! Also, while it is a chapter book, the simplicity of the book would also be suitable for younger kids.
I’ll end with my favorite quote from the book: “I’m being brave,” said Kaley. “But sometimes I get scared or nervous.” “That’s natural!” Deanna said. “Being brave doesn’t mean you’re not afraid. It means that you keep going even when you’re afraid.” (p. 56).
The best thing about this book is the detail it goes into about the whole process, yet it is in terms that will help adults and children understand what to expect. She explains about the different doctors, tools they use, anesthesia, scars, healing, and what to expect after.
I also love the reoccurring theme of the importance of bravery! “Right now, you are learning how to be brave. Bravery, kindness, and love- those are things that help you to be beautiful on the inside and outside” (p. 33). There are a lot of discussions about feelings, and how it is okay to feel many different things. Talk about them and learn things that help you to cope. This really stood out to me because I have a 7-year-old son on the spectrum, and once he could start to verbalize his feelings it made all the difference- we are still learning on how to help him cope in different situations. He was hospitalized when he was 5 for dangerously low blood pressure and I think this book would have helped us, even though it was a very different situation.
The last twenty pages are for the parents/caregivers; they include, resources, tips, and a checklist. The tips also had a lot of things to remember if your child has autism. I wish I had that for our brief hospital stay. The staff all behaved as if they knew nothing about autism, and I should have been more verbal about his needs.
If you or someone you know is about to have surgery or even have frequent doctor visits, etc… this book could really make a difference. It’s a cute storyline while still being so informative. I love how Deanna says in her authors note that she couldn’t find a book about surgery for teens, so she just decided to write it herself. That’s inspiring! Also, while it is a chapter book, the simplicity of the book would also be suitable for younger kids.
I’ll end with my favorite quote from the book: “I’m being brave,” said Kaley. “But sometimes I get scared or nervous.” “That’s natural!” Deanna said. “Being brave doesn’t mean you’re not afraid. It means that you keep going even when you’re afraid.” (p. 56).
February 27, 2024
Review from my little sister, Laly (11):
Kaley is facing heart problems and has to undergo surgery at a young age. She is feeling worried and nervous about the whole thing. To keep her mind off things, Kaley engages in activities that bring her joy and happiness, like playing with her pet bunnies, watching her butterflies grow, or singing. Despite her fears, Kaley finds comfort in the fact that her family and friends will always be there for her as she goes through the surgery.
This book left a deep impression on me. It was a heartwarming story that gave me hope and reassurance that even in difficult times, family will always be there to support you.
The protagonist, Kaley, is a charming and optimistic young girl who always sees the good in everything.
The story is perfect for children aged 7-11 years, but it can be enjoyed by anyone who loves a sweet and uplifting story that teaches the value of resilience and determination. The author has masterfully woven a tale of overcoming challenges and adversity while infusing it with a touch of lightness that makes you feel like you're floating on a cloud of butterflies.
Happy Reading, Laly ❤️ 📚
Thank you, @d.scribing.stories, for sharing this great book with me, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Kaley is facing heart problems and has to undergo surgery at a young age. She is feeling worried and nervous about the whole thing. To keep her mind off things, Kaley engages in activities that bring her joy and happiness, like playing with her pet bunnies, watching her butterflies grow, or singing. Despite her fears, Kaley finds comfort in the fact that her family and friends will always be there for her as she goes through the surgery.
This book left a deep impression on me. It was a heartwarming story that gave me hope and reassurance that even in difficult times, family will always be there to support you.
The protagonist, Kaley, is a charming and optimistic young girl who always sees the good in everything.
The story is perfect for children aged 7-11 years, but it can be enjoyed by anyone who loves a sweet and uplifting story that teaches the value of resilience and determination. The author has masterfully woven a tale of overcoming challenges and adversity while infusing it with a touch of lightness that makes you feel like you're floating on a cloud of butterflies.
Happy Reading, Laly ❤️ 📚
Thank you, @d.scribing.stories, for sharing this great book with me, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 20, 2023
🐛🐛🐛🐛🐛/5
Being a nurse, I’m often asked questions about surgeries my patients will have during their stay in the hospital.
While my typical demographic is individuals between 30 and 90, not all of my patients are fully functioning or cognitively aware of the intricacies any number of procedures might entail.
When @deanna reached out to me with the offer to read and review her book, Chrysalis, I jumped at the opportunity.
Chrysalis is an early chapter book written with older kids and teens with developmental disabilities such as Autism and Down syndrome in mind.
From meeting hospital staff and finding out that her heart needs a “little help” to surgery day and recovery, our main character, Kaley is supported along the way by family, friends, and the story of a caterpillar named Morrie.
This book was concise in its purpose with a little fantasy mixed in and I adored it. Definitely recommend for a child going to the hospital for a procedure or surgery.
🦋I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review 🦋
Being a nurse, I’m often asked questions about surgeries my patients will have during their stay in the hospital.
While my typical demographic is individuals between 30 and 90, not all of my patients are fully functioning or cognitively aware of the intricacies any number of procedures might entail.
When @deanna reached out to me with the offer to read and review her book, Chrysalis, I jumped at the opportunity.
Chrysalis is an early chapter book written with older kids and teens with developmental disabilities such as Autism and Down syndrome in mind.
From meeting hospital staff and finding out that her heart needs a “little help” to surgery day and recovery, our main character, Kaley is supported along the way by family, friends, and the story of a caterpillar named Morrie.
This book was concise in its purpose with a little fantasy mixed in and I adored it. Definitely recommend for a child going to the hospital for a procedure or surgery.
🦋I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review 🦋
April 23, 2023
I was kindly asked by the author to read and review her chapter book Chrysalis.
Chrysalis tells the story of Kaley and how she found out she needed heart surgery. Not only does Deanna write in a way for children to understand hospital procedures and medical tools for the open heart surgery she also touches on coping mechanisms that can come in handy for the nerves that come along with surgery! I also love how she ties in butterflies (for example the cover) to symbolize a change has taken place and that change is okay. One quote that really stuck with me was “everyone needs help with something” and that’s so true and I truly believe everyone needs to hear this especially in a hospital/surgery setting! This books also includes cute illustrations, a special note from the author saying how she had heart surgery and so did her cousin who the book was written for. It also includes checklists for the patient and caregiver(s)! I have rated this 5 stars because of all the reasons stated above and more!
Chrysalis tells the story of Kaley and how she found out she needed heart surgery. Not only does Deanna write in a way for children to understand hospital procedures and medical tools for the open heart surgery she also touches on coping mechanisms that can come in handy for the nerves that come along with surgery! I also love how she ties in butterflies (for example the cover) to symbolize a change has taken place and that change is okay. One quote that really stuck with me was “everyone needs help with something” and that’s so true and I truly believe everyone needs to hear this especially in a hospital/surgery setting! This books also includes cute illustrations, a special note from the author saying how she had heart surgery and so did her cousin who the book was written for. It also includes checklists for the patient and caregiver(s)! I have rated this 5 stars because of all the reasons stated above and more!
January 26, 2024
This is adorable and a great way for kids to learn about surgery. I also love that there’s a child life aspect. The butterfly is the perfect metaphor. I’m not used to reading kid lit as an adult so I won’t rate this.
I wanted to be a child life specialist after college but it is a lot of medical trauma.
Thank you Deanna for a pdf. This feels personal since my friend is getting surgery soon.
I wanted to be a child life specialist after college but it is a lot of medical trauma.
Thank you Deanna for a pdf. This feels personal since my friend is getting surgery soon.
June 3, 2024
This book follows Kaley on a health journey as she undergoes heart surgery. Her concerns and fears are understandable, but she has a supportive team. The book is realistic, educational, and highlights struggles faced by people with chronic health issues. The caregiver checklist and conversation guide were detailed and helpful.
Thank you for sharing yours and Kaley's stories with us.
Thank you for sharing yours and Kaley's stories with us.
April 5, 2025
I think this is a great resource to prepare kids for surgery! However, I didn't feel like the butterfly analogy worked for me.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews