Mommy’s Disease: Helping Children Understand Alcoholism (Volume 2), by Carolyn Hannan Bell, MS., LPC. (2014)
Grade Level: 1 – 2
From Amazon.com: “In an easily understood, beautifully illustrated style, “Mommy’s Disease” helps families navigate the difficult waters of alcoholism. Mila doesn’t know why her mom doesn’t show up for dinners, or soccer games or why she acts funny sometimes. Mila thinks it’s because her mom doesn’t want to be with her, that she hasn’t been the best girl she can be, that she should try harder. But, Daddy tells Mila that Mommy has a disease called “alcoholism.” She helps Mila, and her faithful dog Annie, understand what this disease is and how it affects Mommy, and the whole family. He teaches Mila that she is not responsible for Mommy’s behavior and that gives Mila the peace she needs to foster a healthy childhood. Praise for “Daddy’s Disease”: “Carolyn Hannan Bell has given a gift to thousands of children and their parents with her book: “Daddy’s Disease”. A wonderful book for children who have a parent who has alcoholism. With gentle insight and poignant stories, she introduces us to 7-year-old Tommy whose father is an active alcoholic. Like most children of alcoholics, he is confused, angry and feels it’s his fault. This is where Carolyn takes over the voice of Tommy’s mother and holds his hand and heart while she guides them through these difficult waters. This is a children’s book that everyone living with alcohol should read. Thank you Carolyn” Daniel Gottlieb, PhD Host: “Voices in the Family” WHYY FM Author: “Letters to Sam”, “Wisdom of Sam” and forthcoming “The Wisdom We’re Born With””