8 year-old Liam Wilson is the latest author to engage in a book-signing at the Acton branch of the Halton Hills Public Library last Saturday. About 20 people attended the event to acquire signed copies of “Liam's Hospital Stay”, the second book from the diminutive Milton-area writer. Liam intended his book to comfort children facing a visit or a prolonged stay in a hospital. But also, he explained, “To honour my grandfather.”
In fact, his grandfather figures strongly in “Liam's Hospital Stay”. The book's first part talks about Liam's close bond with his grandfather: “They made banana pancakes together. They squeezed into Grandpa's favourite chair and read together. They played ball in the backyard together.”
The passing of his grandfather is dealt with in a tactful manner. Although the situation is “sad” according to Liam, he draws strength and wisdom from the memory of his elder, which will serve him well later in the story.
The gist of the book is based on Liam's two-week hospital stay to receive treatment for Cystic Fibrosis. The boy has to receive treatment through an IV needle. The process is scary, but at his lowest ebb, he hears his grandpa's voice: “Remember, you are as strong as a tree!”
Liam has to stay in hospital over Christmas but he has some fun with the Elf on the Shelf. He also makes friends among the children on the ward and gets to know Ranger Ray, a childcare specialist who brings along a toy duck that makes “a funny noise from his bum...Now the big hospital isn't so scary. And whenever Liam and his mom return for check-ups they always take time to see all the friends they made during their stay there.”
The book is co-written by Myrna Jewell, a writer who spent hours with Liam via Zoom to distill the essence of what he wanted to say. The narrative is cleverly crafted, and dare I say it, the resulting story is a “page-turner”. The illustrations by Leesa Ervin, have a child-like, crayon-colouring quality to them that enhances the book and will engage children who like to look at the pictures as the story is being read to them.
Published by Iguana Books, Liam's Hospital Stay is available on Facebook, Amazon and online at Liamsmission.ca. He's buoyed by the fact that he's already sold 75 copies and is thinking about doing another book. “Besides,” he said, “five dollars from every book sold is going to Sick Kid's Hospital.
Comments