Come on! Don't hurry! Do you want to beat cancer like a sloth too?
It's your lucky day because Stanley and his playful friends want to "hang" out with you as he slowly moves (and sleeps a lot) through diagnosis, chemotherapy, and a stem cell transplant.
This children's book is a lighthearted, informative reminder to take your cancer diagnosis slow, and stay calm. It's OK to take a nap too! You're on sloth time!
"This beautiful book offers something we wish we'd had: a gentle, honest, and hope-filled visual guide through the slow path of healing." —Aaron and Missy Brooks, parents of Emmett, leukemia survivor
Slow Is the Way to Go tells the story of Stanley, a young baseball-loving sloth who has been diagnosed with leukemia. With the help of his friendly healthcare team, and his lucky shoes too, Stanley learns how leukemia affects his body and what can be done to slowly fight it.
Combining her personal experience with a family member battling childhood leukemia and her twenty years as an oncology nurse, author Melissa K. Gollnik uses her passion to care for others and signature gentle touch with a side of kindness to deliver guidance and support for families experiencing childhood cancer.
This cancer book for children covers:
- What leukemia is and how it is diagnosed
- What chemotherapy, a port, and stem cell transplant are
- Best practices for teaching kids about cancer
- And the power of optimism during a cancer diagnosis
With a similar message to They Call Me Brave, this children's book about cancer takes an honest look at a childhood diagnosis with a delicate balance of humor and fact.
Follow along with Stanley as he bravely faces his cancer diagnosis—and the baseball field!
"This is an essential read for kids with leukemia, their siblings, and close family and friends. Parents will welcome this book as they try to communicate the reality of this diagnosis and treatment with their child(ren)." —Lisa Keller, RN, MS, CPNP, APNP, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, UW Health American Family Children's Hospital
Melissa K. Gollnik RN, BSN, OCN is a hugger with a glass-half-full spirit who loves stories with happy endings and rainbows too! As an oncology nurse, Melissa has spent the past twenty years caring for adult cancer patients and their families with compassion, support, and love. She is the founder of BeeZee Beating Cancer Creations, a small business dedicated to her cousin Brent, who lost his courageous battle with childhood leukemia. Throughout his long and fearless fight, he was playful, funny, and filled with positivity. Since he was busy as a bee, his mother's nickname for him, "BeeZee," took flight. Melissa deeply hopes this book will comfort and encourage newly diagnosed children as they begin the complex and emotional journey to overcome childhood cancer. Melissa is the 2023 recipient of the annual DAISY Award at Tomah Health that honors nurses internationally in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. She lives in Wisconsin with her boys, who keep her young, energetic, and always smiling.
"This beautiful book offers a gentle, honest look at what it's like for a child to go through leukemia treatment. It doesn't shy away from the tough parts—but it also shows the strength, courage, and moments of joy that shine through. As a nurse and parent to a childhood leukemia survivor, I appreciate how it explains complex medical things in a way children can understand. The nurses, doctors, and hospital staff aren't just caregivers—they're depicted as friends, playmates, and sometimes even family. This story helps children see that even in the hardest times, they're never alone. It's a comforting, hopeful read for any family navigating a childhood cancer journey. It's a HOME RUN!" — Kim Schuetz, oncology-certified nurse at University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics
"A delightful book written for preschool and school-age children diagnosed with leukemia. It contains accurate information about diagnosis and treatment, presented in a developmentally appropriate manner with lovely illustrations and warm, reassuring characters. This is an essential read for kids with leukemia, their siblings, and close family and friends. Parents will welcome this book as they try to communicate the reality of this diagnosis and treatment with their child(ren). I would love to be able to give a copy of this book to all of my new patients!" — Lisa Keller, RN, MS, CPNP, APNP, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology
"As parents of a teenager who bravely walked the long road of childhood leukemia, we know firsthand how overwhelming, confusing, and emotional the journey can be—for both the child and their family. This beautiful book offers something we wish we'd had: a gentle, honest, and hope-filled visual guide through the slow path of healing. With its thoughtful illustrations and compassionate storytelling, it helps young readers and their loved ones understand what lies ahead while offering comfort, clarity, and connection. It's a powerful tool for any family navigating this path, reminding them they're not alone—and that healing, though slow, is possible." — Aaron and Missy Brooks, parents of Emmett, leukemia survivor
