Children's book review: Let My Colors Out by Courtney Filigenzi

The newest children's book published by the American
Cancer Society is "Let My Colors Out" by Courtney Filigenzi*

Let My Colors Out, written by Courtney Filigenzi and illustrated by Shennen Bersani, is an extraordinary book meant for children ages 4-8 who have a parent living with a cancer diagnosis. Published by the American Cancer Society, this vividly illustrated board book invites young minds into the world of a boy dealing with his mother's cancer diagnosis. 

With each new page, children learn about the young  boy's feelings through the expression of colors. Whether the day brings scared/"purple" feelings or happy/"yellow" feelings, children learn that it's all okay. The book concludes with a surprise pop-up rainbow bouquet of balloons that bring hope and reassure children that they can express their feelings and let them go.

This fully-illustrated and simply stated book is sure to engage the attention of any child in the midst of a family cancer crisis, though it would likely appeal most to younger children ages 4-6 years old. This book may serve as an excellent catalyst for any parent, teacher, or counselor who wishes to encourage children of cancer patients to talk about their feelings.

Incidentally, illustrator Shennen Bersani actually had her own opportunity to make use of the book when she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer the year following her work on the book. A mother of four children, Bersani valued the book even more as she watched her own children experience the same emotions as the protagonist.

For more info: Purchase "Let My Colors Out"

*image courtesy of American Cancer Society