May 4th 2024 is the release date for the highly anticipated debut picture book by Canadian author Darcie Naslund, My Mom Is Not a Superhero. The story follows a little girl whose mother has Multiple Sclerosis as she discovers that some superheroes are fighting invisible battles. With the help of her cat and some X-ray glasses, she learns just how strong her mom is and how she can help her. Illustrated by Dania El Khatib and published by DC Canada, My Mom Is Not a Superhero is the perfect book for kids 5 to 9.
What was the inspiration behind this story?
Darcie: I have always loved superheroes, and so have my kids. I used to use superheroes as a way to explain to my kids how the immune system works. When they are sick, the superheroes in their body will help them feel better. I also explained that my superheroes don’t always do their job or they fight the wrong thing. My first draft was more of a list of symptoms than an actual story with a beginning, middle, and end. My critique partners helped me accept that I needed to make a change. It just wasn’t working. Then one day my daughter asked me where my owies were because she couldn’t see them, Suddenly I had an epiphany and rewrote the entire manuscript.
What made you want to share your story in picture book form?
Darcie: I knew it needed to be a picture book from the start. I wanted to support families and focus on young children who desperately want to understand what’s wrong and how they can help. When I needed a book to explain what was happening to my children, I couldn’t find what I was looking for. Yes, there were resources available to help explain MS, but often they were quite serious or too much for very young children. I wanted something uplifting, empowering, and fun, so I wrote it myself. I did consider graphic novel format, but I knew that my drawing was not up to par for a project like that.
Talking about pain can be difficult. What would you say to those who claim such topics aren’t appropriate for kids?
Darcie: I firmly believe in the saying, “If a child can live it, they can read it.” In my experience as a teacher and mother, children have an innate curiosity and desire to help. I would never put the burden on children to take care of someone who is ill or has chronic pain, but talking about it and helping them understand opens the door to empathy and the inevitable question, “ How can I help?” If I’m having a difficult day, I don’t have to say anything… my kids can tell. And when they do, I end up covered in blankets, with lots of hugs and demands to rest. Long story short, children want to help and understand. They don’t need every detail about what’s wrong, but I believe they deserve to know something.
How can this book help families dealing with MS and other illnesses or disabilities?
Darcie: This story can help families with young children explain and understand all invisible illnesses—not just MS. Just because you can’t see what’s wrong, doesn’t mean it’s not there. Many people are fighting invisible battles. If everyone, including children, can learn to acknowledge them, we as a society will develop more empathy and support for those who are struggling. We are never too young to learn to be kind and understanding.
The backmatter of the book specifically discusses Multiple Sclerosis. Quite often, but not always, a diagnosis can come at the age when many are thinking about starting a family, beginning to start their own families, or already have a family. Being a parent is already a difficult job without the addition of MS. My hope is that this book will support MS families in communicating with their children so they can share in their journey together.
Which page of the book is your favourite?
Darcie: This is a difficult question because I love all of them. I am going to cheat and mention two. The most important scene for me is the spread where the main character puts on her X-ray glasses and finally sees what Mom has been fighting. I knew this scene had to be perfect, and thanks to Dania, it is. The other page that I want to mention is the spread where the main character is trying to fly amongst the chickens. This one is my absolute favourite. Dania managed to capture my life in just one illustration. It is more than I ever imagined.
What do you hope readers will take away from this book?
Darcie: I hope that readers become more aware that the world is full of superheroes fighting invisible battles. And just because we cannot see them, doesn’t mean they are not there. A little bit of kindness, empathy, and understanding goes a long way. And finally—and this is more for the adult superheroes—if we do not talk about these invisible battles, others (including children) will not have the opportunity to learn and understand. Being honest can help others help us.
Pre-order My Mom Is Not a Superhero today! Orders ship on May 4th 2024.
