Only One of Me: a Love Letter from Dad

Talking to young children about the terminal illness of a loved one must be the hardest thing that any parent can undertake. Lisa Wells, a young mum of two with a terminal diagnosis, has produced this book with her friend Michelle Robinson to give consolation to her daughters. The same book has been produced for dads, and this is the one we have here. Using rhyme, Dad explains to his young son that he wants so much to be with him always: ‘There’s only one dad quite like me. I wish that there were two. I’d have more time to spend and I would spend it all with you.’ Because he knows he won’t be around, he has recruited his son’s family and friends to be there for him and to do all the things he would do if he were able. And he also believes that he will be in the background, cheering on the little boy. He explains that it will be okay for his son to cry and get angry and even to laugh because ‘There’s more than one way to feel sad.’ He also hopes his boy will be a little like him and will remember the wonderful times they have shared. The illustrations for this picture book are outstandingly sensitive and beautiful, reflecting the love between father and son – happy times as well as sad. And there is a place for a photo at the back of the book, as well as space to write about memories of the loved parent. People often write books about their experiences of cancer, but it is unusual to find one written by a mum for her own children, and very welcome it is. Both books will be important additions to this most difficult subject.