“If you can dream it, you can do it.” -Walt Disney
The following books were written by Mindy Atwood.
All proceeds will go directly to Patches of Light.
Purchase the books from Amazon Google Play Barnes & Noble
or purchase directly from Friesen Press
The Boy in the Golden Cape
Jason and Billy are forever friends. They do everything together-until Thanksgiving break one year, when Jason doesn't come back to school. Billy tries to visit his friend, but he's turned away at the door. Jason can't have visitors because he's sick. He has a disease called cancer.
Billy doesn't understand why Jason doesn't answer their clubhouse messages anymore, or why he can't go to visit his best friend. But he knows that Jason needs his friendship and love. With the help of family, friends, and his community, Billy shows what being a best friend really means.
Every year, over 10,000 children are diagnosed with childhood cancer. Talking to kids about what that means is important, but it can be difficult, too. The Boy in the Golden Cape is a tool to help parents navigate that challenge. It approaches the subject in a child-friendly manner, while stressing the importance of compassion and acceptance.
The Zipper Club
It's summertime, and everyone is having fun at the pool. Everyone except a young boy named Mike. He has undergone open-heart surgery and is nervous about showing his scar. Will the kids at the pool make fun of him? His friend Emma sees his worry and comes up with a plan to make him feel better. She enlists their pals to join in, and with the help of an artist who draws scars on their chests, they create the "Zipper Club."
The Zipper Club is an inspiring story of friendship, empathy, and confidence told through rhyme. Join Mike as he learns that through acceptance and understanding, we can all empower others to feel self-confident.
Do Bears Have Belly Buttons?
“Grandma, do bears have belly buttons?”
Alexis asks lots of remarkable questions. Usually, Grandma knows the answers to them, but even she doesn’t know if bears have belly buttons. Grandma takes Alexis to the zoo to meet Dr. Merry, who answers Alexis’ question and teaches Alexis and Grandma about mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.
Do bears have belly buttons? Let's find out!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mindy Atwood
My love of writing began when I was five years old. I won the What I Want For Christmas contest, which awarded me a roll of pennies and a ride in the Christmas parade next to Santa. I continued to write throughout my life and hoped that someday I might be a published author. Then life happened . . . real life.
I was blessed with four beautiful children, two of which ended up having catastrophic health issues (cancer and a congenital heart defect). My focus became caring for them. Along the way, I noticed how many families were in the same situation as ours — families without the support needed to care for a sick child and meet the day-to-day obligations of maintaining a home. To support our community, we wanted to provide this financial support and allow families to focus solely on their child’s care. That’s when we founded the nonprofit organization Patches of Light.
When my children were going through treatment, I tried to find children’s books about their experiences, but found very few. Writing became a part of my Patches of Light mission. Each book has a piece of my journey in its center. The Zipper Club is about helping children overcome the embarrassment of a scar or disfigurement. The upcoming The Boy in the Golden Cape is about a little boy whose best friend is diagnosed with childhood cancer. I am thankful I am able to donate the proceeds of these books back to those in need.
In August of 2022, I was chosen by L’Oréal Paris as a Women of Worth Honoree for my work with Patches of Light. The experience, support, and honor are all things I will treasure forever. Their recognition has truly helped me see that my work for others is a worthy undertaking and that my story can bring light to another in their darkest time.
Each of us has a light. The light for me is sharing my story.
— Mindy Atwood, author of The Zipper Club
