#Review & #Interview: Sticky Icky Booger Bugs by Sherry Firth

Review:

This was a really nice and beautifully written book for children suffering from cystic fibrosis. The illustrations and story line are very well done and easy to follow. I can see this book being used as a manual for the little ones when they are diagnosed and by parents that want to teach their children. It’s very informative and straight forward. The illustrations make it fun and easy for children to look at. I learned a lot myself just by reading this and didn’t know how hard it was on children. I’d really recommend this book for young children and adults looking for ways to explain illnesses.

Blurb:

Sticky Icky Booger Bugs, by Sherry Frith, is the tale of a boy’s battle with cystic fibrosis as he attempts to avoid the hospital. Kory is just like any other kid. He loves recess, playing soccer, and exploring his neighborhood with his best friend. With every puff, cough, and sneeze, Kory keeps the sticky icky booger bugs away so he can have fun every day! Sticky Icky Booger Bugs is a picture book, illustrated by Caroll Newell Walter, for children ages 0 – 7.

Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. There are 30,000 children each year diagnosed and battling cystic fibrosis. There is no cure for this progressive disease.

Sherry wrote Sticky Icky Booger Bugs after her sons, Kory and Kevin, were diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. She wanted to explain aspects of the disorder using words they could understand. Helped by colorful illustrations, and the knowledge they gained, they were able to deal with the sticky icky booger bugs using simple routines to keep their cystic fibrosis at bay. This story lets children know that they are loved, no matter what their medical situation may be.

Sticky Icky Booger Bugs was released on July 26, 2013 and is available for sale on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sticky-Icky-Booger-Sherry-Frith/dp/148080083X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1375730020&sr=1-1

Author Sherry Frith is the mother of three boys and the founder of Helping Hearts, a nonprofit organization. She has patents and copyrights pending in various areas and lives each day full of new ideas and grace. Sherry lives in Bakersfield, CA, with her sons—Kyle, Kevin, and Kory.

Illustrator Carol Newell Walter majored in fine arts at Wayne State University and earned a BA and teaching credentials from California State University– Bakersfield. Now retired, Carol and her husband live in Bakersfield, CA, where she continues to create all kinds of artwork.

To learn more, visit http://beatsnot.com/.

Interview:

Where are you from? Tell us a little about yourself!

I was born in Los Angeles, CA and relocated to Bakersfield, CA when I was 18 years old with my parents.  I am a simple person who enjoys simple things in life. I indulge in monthly manicure/pedicures and a bi-monthly hair salon visit.  Amazing Grace Emulsion is my favorite indulgence.

I am the chief financial officer at a local concrete construction company.   Most days I can be seen driving the highway picking up or dropping off my boys where they need to be.  It is not out of the ordinary to find me cheering at a soccer, football, or baseball game during a single weekend.   When my time is not consumed with my boys, I enjoy the company of delicious food and intriguing conversation.

Tell us about your book? How did it get started?

Sticky Icky Booger Bugs is the charming tale of a boy‛s daily battle with pesky germs caused by cystic fibrosis. Kory is just like any other kid. He loves recess, playing soccer, and exploring the neighborhood with his best friend. With every puff, cough, and sneeze, Kory keeps the sticky icky booger bugs away so he can have fun every day!

Sticky Icky Booger Bugs was born 6 years ago when Kory was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.  Doctor’s explained cystic fibrosis to Kory in medical terms. However, as we walked out of the building Kory asked “What does this mean for me”?   I told him that he had sticky boogers that wanted to stay in him and we had to get them out.  When the medical equipment arrived to help improve Kory’s quality of life we gave them all names so he could understand them and not be so overwhelmed.   My heart broke knowing the challenges he would be facing with this incurable disease and felt the need to convey them in terms that he could relate to.

How do you create your characters?

The characters in this book are my son, Kory and his good friend Cody.  There was no recreation of the characters they are what you see.

What inspires and what got your started in writing?

My son Kory continues to inspire my writing.  Children have a wonderful innocence; their questions and answers can bring tears of laughter or sorrow to a conversation.

Where do you write?

Is there something you need in order to write (music, drinks?)

I write and jot things down all the time.  Writing at Milt’s Coffee Shop is a favorite.  Banana Cream Pie and a water hit the spot when I write.

How do you get your ideas for writing?

I get ideas from everywhere. I love to listen, look, and linger for a topic to write about.

What do you like to read?

I like to read my friend Mel’s short stories that she writes.  They are short and leaving me wanting more to the story.

What would your advice to be for authors or aspiring in regards to writing?

Do not stop writing, even if it is for oneself.  I think that everyone is a writer and has a story to tell.

 Anything else you’d like to share?

Just try to enjoy life.  You never know what is happening in a person’s life.  My theory is that just when I feel my life is rough, someone has it rougher.   I hear their story and stop the poor me woes and appreciate another day of life.