Some Days: A Tale of Love, Ice Cream, and My Mom’s Chronic Illness

by Julie A. Stamm, Chamisa Kellogg (Illustrator)

Nothing can stop Wyatt and Rosie’s adventures—big and small!—in this heartwarming tale about having a parent with a chronic illness
 
Even though Wyatt’s mom, Rosie, has multiple sclerosis and doesn’t always feel her best, Wyatt still thinks she’s a superhero—especially on their daily adventures together. Some days, when Rosie is tired, she and Wyatt build a special fort in the living room just for two. Some days, they cast spells on Wyatt’s toys with Rosie’s magical walking stick—or even head into town for the big “funraiser”!

Warm and uplifting, Some Days gently introduces young readers to the concept of having a loved one with a chronic illness. Although some days are fast and some are slow, each one is filled with love, excitement, and fun . . . not to mention ice cream!

Genres: Picture Books, Disability, Family, Childrens, Fiction, Health, Illness

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 26, 2021

Reviews

[Huxley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really excited to see this book on the shelf, but sadly I was let down by a key feature in this. While I see the intent of this book, and I’m really glad that this exists for kids and parents who have MS to see themselves represented in a story, as a disabled person I tend to frown upon any narrative that frames a disability as a “superpower” or “hero” trait because it plays into a harmful history of tropes regarding disabled people as Other or tools for feel-good “inspiration.” I worry about this language that may lead to disabled kids or parents feeling shame for not being “inspirational” enough. While I know that they were trying to show the positives and normality of living with disability, this is a common trope that pops up, especially in narratives for kids, that as a disabled librarian I really try to be mindful of pointing out. So, that lowered my rating a bit. I know the author is chronically ill herself, so I respect her choice to frame her disability however she wants, but I don’t personally agree with continuing that narrative. We can speak positively about disabled experiences without contributing to the narrative that being disabled is a hero’s errand or an inspirational tale for non-disabled people to applaud.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish I'd had this book when my kid was little! Very easily adjusted to cover a multitude of chronic conditions. My only wishes were that it did stay more generic, as there are so very few options of stories about a parent with chronic illness that having a go-all book would have been nice, as well as the page about the mom as being a public speaker on the topic - that was unique for the author, I think, but translates less well for the rest of us. All in all, a solid choice on a sparse subject.

[elizabeth roberts-zibbel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun book for kids about a parent with chronic illness combining “some days are better than others” with “my mom is a superhero.” Sometimes the superhero thing bothers me. It’s a lot to live up to - often, we’re just trying to survive.

[Hannah]

Points for the content--I love the idea of a book about a disabled parent and the ways it does and doesn't affect their child. The illustrations are nice.

Demerits for the subtitle--there is no better way to scream I AM A MEDICINE BOOK, HERE TO TEACH YOU AN IMPORTANT LESSON than with a subtitle that tells you why the story matters and what it's about. It's an instant disqualification for me because it does the opposite of what diverse literature should be: it doesn't normalize a marginalized experience, it calls it out. That's kind of the problem with the text, too. It's almost great, but near the end it really goes balls out on the inspiration porn and preciousness, which ruins the entire story. It otherwise would have been a nice addition to the classic picture book about nice days out with family members. Disappointing.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great to have a book that captures the experience of having a parent with a chronic illness, and all the fun things you can do together each day, whether it's a big day or a quiet day. The mom in this one has MS, but as there is so little representation of any chronic illness in picture books, I'm sure many families will find similarities in their own lives and will love this book that frames chronic illness as something to adjust to, not be scared of.

[Rebecca Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would. This book gives an accurate outlet for those with MS to explain/share experiences with children. It was so touching for me, someone who does have MS. I am looking forward to sharing this book with my own children, nieces and nephews, my friends children, and anyone else who will listen.

[Brook Lorenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it a children’s book? Absolutely. Did I read it because my mom has MS? Yes. Am I participating in an MS walk this weekend? Also yes.
This book was a wonderful representation of what it’s like to experience chronic illness from a loved ones perspective. I look forward to reading it to my own children, and gifting it to teacher friends.

[Leslie McKee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book to help children understand more about their parent's illness (in this case, multiple sclerosis). It highlights the difficulties, but it also demonstrates the little blessings and joys the young boy has with his mother. It's a great way to introduce children to chronic illnesses.

[Stephanie ((Strazzybooks)) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful for anyone who loves someone with a chronic illness. I loved this book and found it so relatable.

[Paul Sutter]

More so that at any other time, children’s books are echoing the realities of life, showing children how the other half often lives and copes. SOME DAYS is a most moving story about a mother who is living with multiple sclerosis. In real life, author Julia Stamm was diagnosed with it in 2007. She has made it her goal to educate young and old about the disease. And what better way than through a book like this?
Wyatt the boy in the book, goes everywhere with his mother. There are days when she is not feeling her best, but she is a superhero to him. She uses her cane as a magic stick, and as the boy often says, “some days,” about Mom and her limitations. The important thing, it does not get her down, nor Wyatt. He understands and does his best to help her, then gives her a hug and kiss when they get home. Mom calls it the best medicine.
The book is truly a gem, showing children people who appear to be different, as just the same as them, but with some limitation.

[Stella Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was living with MS for years before being officially diagnosed in 2021. I got annual MRIs, and I did not take any meds due to side effects. I had one flare up in 2021. My legs decided to a break, and I was numb from the waist down. I decided to try MS-4 from Uine Health Centre. The numbness and Muscle spasms went away after a couple of weeks, but it took almost 3 months to walk properly without a cane. In June, it will be four years without incident, and I am extremely happy that I made the decision to not take any meds and went for the MS-4 formula even though my neurologist got upset and one told me to quit my job because I will be disabled. Well, I am not disabled, I still refuse to take those meds, and I am doing just fine. Believe in yourself and go with your instincts. Doctors don't know it all. I’m surprised a lot of people with MS haven’t heard of the MS-4 protocol, I got the treatment from uinehealthcentre. com I am absolutely confident that this protocol offers a viable solution. I hope you find it helpful.

[Leticia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I shared this book in several of my support groups because I can't recommend it enough for parents of littles who have their own chronic illnesses. This book is about a mom that has M.S. but can be applicable to many chronic illnesses. I have hEDS, CFS, and PMDD, and it's definitely MOST days, not some days, that are difficult to get through. My kids started asking why I can't be as active and on-the-go as other moms. This was a great book to explain it in a way they can understand, and teach them to approach these situations with empathy rather than harboring bitter feelings. I wish I had a book like this when I was younger and wondering the same about my own mom, who was pushing herself past her limits back then. Will definitely be purchasing a copy for our home library.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some days a young boy and his mom have adventures but some days her Multiple Sclerosis prevents her from doing the things they both love. Some Days by Julie A. Stamm is a wonderful addition to a number of recent children's picture books that deal with health issues and struggles in a straighforward, positive way. Talking about the colorful illustrations by Chamisa Kellog can help children learn to work through some of the emotions a family might experience. For kids age 3 - 9.

[K G · Rating 2 out of 5]

I agree with other reviewers that the framing of disability as a superpower reinforces ableist narratives. I feel like the framing of mobility aids as if they were magical also reinforces the same narratives. Mobility aids aren’t special, calling them fancy names isn’t helpful. The words wheelchair and cane aren’t bad, you can use the actual language.

(It’s almost 5am so I might be misinterpreting something, also mobility aid users feel free to chime in, I’m interested in what you think)

[Miriam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can see how the "superhero" angle could be a little iffy for folks with disabilities bc it can lean into stereotypes, but I still think that this is a good start at helping children see themselves and their parents' chronic illnesses as nothing to be shy about and instead, feel empowered by the positive representation. I'm very interested in seeing books with an angle at educating and advocating for people living with MS and other diseases.

[Joan Gagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book. It explains in childlike terms what it can be like to be a child of someone with a chronic illness while keeping a positive outlook on the experience. As someone who had this experience as a child, it would have been nice to have something like this book growing up. I'm so glad that my patrons will have this book to help them.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It made me tear up. As someone with a chronic illness who is also a mother, I’m hoping this will help me explain to my child more clearly about how it goes from day to day. Vague enough for many chronic illnesses but especially for MS. If you have a child and have a chronic illness (especially MS) this book is wonderful.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fictionalized story based on the author's life as a mom with MS. This book does a good job showing how some days are more active than others and that children adapting to what their grown-ups need is the support they can provide. I love how the mom's challenges, like needing a restroom ASAP turned into a game of "spot the potty."

[Across the Stars · Rating 5 out of 5]

An age-appropriate story that helps explain chronic illness in a positive and not-scary way for kids. The art is pretty and it shows a variety of things that are part of regular life with chronic illness, such as mobility aids, daily meds, and hospital visits. While the story focused on MS, it could be applied to most chronic illnesses easily.

[Grace Calvin]

This book is a story about a child and his mother who lives M.S. written from the perspective of the child. I thought this book was great, even I learned something from it. I have never seen a children's book cover the topic of chronic illness. This could be a great resource for my classroom for children who have similar family situations.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think there should be more books for children about having a parent with a chronic illness, because I think this is the first one I've come across in the 2000+ picture books I've read from my library. This one was okay, but I felt it kind of glorified illness, and let's face it, chronic illness is hard. Not that there aren't ever any good times, but it made the bad things seem way too cheery.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A boy describes what it is like to live with his mom who has MS. There are good days and bad, some when she has energy for adventures, and some when staying home and enjoying a bath is about as adventurous as it gets. Great way to describe any chronic illness with a child.

[Aliza Werner · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a specific audience, though I wish it had been generalized for all. Chronic illness and MS are centerpieces, but neither term is explained. And it’s not really about ice cream at all. This is a book to read with a child whose parent or significant adult battles MS or chronic illness.

[Jared White · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute, ultimately hopeful book from a child's perspective about living with a parent who has a chronic illness, about how things are sometimes a bit different and done a bit differently but that doesn't mean there isn't still fun and plenty of love.

[Essie (Sarah) · Rating 5 out of 5]

🥺🥺🥺🥹🥹🥹

A book for parents with multiple sclerosis and helping kids make sense of it. This mom is so wonderful and really love those so much for a kid. 😭😭 Some days are big and some days are small, yeah? Man, what a good one.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Realistic portrayal of multiple sclerosis illustrating the small joys of each day alongside the difficulties that a little by observes and experiences with his mother.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

My only critique is that it mentions the term chronic illness but doesn't define what that might mean.

[Melissa the Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story about dealing with one parent's chronic illness. I know this will appeal to a lot of readers!

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book for showing kids that having a parent with a chronic illness doesn't always have to be a hindrance, especially if they haven't heard much about MS or chronic illnesses before.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Preschool and school-age