Why, Charlie Brown, Why?

This book is an unusual venture. Written specifically to explain and reassure children about childhood leukaemia, it tells of Charlie Brown's friend, Janice, and what happens when she falls ill with the disease - both to her and to those around her. It's well written and doesn't evade reactions such as the jealousy of her sisters at all the attention Janice receives, and the bully boy who teases her about the loss of her hair. Having taught a child who died of leukaemia, I recognise the truthfulness of these responses ... we don't all become saints when faced with others' illness. Inevitably, something of the loony fun of Charlie Brown's world is missing, although Snoopy in role as the World Famous Surgeon is entertaining. Charlie Brown and Snoopy have never shirked life's serious problems and this is no exception. Sold in aid of the Malcolm Sargent Fund, this hopeful, but honest, book could well help children to a greater understanding of a difficult subject.