What Does Super Jonny Do When Mum Gets Sick?

Press Release

Oct 2014

There is a new picture book on the market written to help families with a sick loved one.

“What Does Super Jonny Do When Mum Gets Sick?”

An empowering tale. Written by Simone Colwill, Illustrated by Jasmine Ting.

When Auckland mother of four, Simone Colwill was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease life changed. “All of a sudden I found myself in the sub-world of the chronically ill.” She says. “Hospital admissions, medications, and on-going monitoring.” A radiographer by profession, Simone went looking for a book to teach her children about hospitals AND empower them to help. Unable to find one, she wrote Super Jonny. “I was having trouble finding an angle to tell the story”, She explains, “Then one day, my youngest son came to the hospital dressed in his superhero suit. “Super Jonny” is his story. “Kids come up to the hospital, and simply don’t know what to do, “explains Simone. “My book helps them find their role.”

Synopsis

Super Jonny is a story about a little superhero. His Mum is sick. How can he help? Join Jonny and Bear as they go to the hospital to investigate. Learn who the staff working in the hospital are and what they do. Discover Jonny’s secret weapon.

Curriculum links

Recognising that teachers often have a child in their class with a sick relative, Simone decided to make the book suitable for classroom use. The list of questions at the rear of the book help children to consider how they could help a sick loved one. These link to the national curriculums in New Zealand and England. Themes include persistence, problem solving, critical thinking and empathy. Because of the subject matter, teachers recommend this book for children aged 2-9 years.

Helping the chronically ill

Some sick people need regular hospital help. With this in mind, Simone included a page in the book entitled: Preparing for a hospital admission: 5 tips for chronically ill mums. This is a simple list of supplies, for when her children visit. This list can also be actioned by any adult wanting to support a sick mum.

Healthcare professionals recommend Super Jonny as a simple way for children to learn about how hospitals work. Mum does not have a diagnosis. This means the book is suitable for all mums who are admitted for any reason.

Super Jonny has received favourable reviews across three sectors

1. From New Zealand Doctors magazine

2. From Barbara Murison (New Zealand children’s literature expert).

3. From Marineke Goodwin, curriculum advisor (early childhood) at Auckland University College of Education.

About

This book is available as either a hardcopy, or as an ebook. (Ebook from the usual platforms).

Hardcopy: A 38 page picture book. (21.59cm x 27.94cm). (A4 size). Full colour with bleeds to the edge of page.

ISBN 978-0-9941127-2-9 UK version (available in UK and US versions).

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