Punk Wig by Lori Ries, illustrated by Erin Eitter Kono - review

Punk Wig by Lori Ries, illustrated by Erin Eitter Kono
Happy Monday to everyone! Today the cart of new books gives us head lice, depression, physical handicap, strabismus, and cancer! Some days are just like that, I guess.

In Punk Wig, the little boy's mom has cancer. Pale but plucky, she endures chemotherapy at the hospital and then comes home to recuperate on the couch. Our brave boy brings her lunch and plays checkers with her.

When she feels a little better, they go to the wig shop, where they clown around with the wigs. Mom rejects a wig that looks just like her own hair and instead embraces the moment, choosing a bright orange spiky 'do. Go, Mom!

The book doesn't pretend that cancer treatment is short and sweet - the illustrations make it clear that seasons are passing while Mom is getting better - but all the smiles, even the tired ones, keep this cancer book for kids on the up and up.