Reviews
The commentaries on Mommy, I Feel Funny! were written by people from all walks of life. We welcome yours as well.
“You have given me hope that all of this will be in the past someday. Your book Mommy, I Feel Funny! has told me “No, you’re not the only one with seizures.” I can honestly say if I didn’t write you that first letter, I don’t know where I would be with this. You taught me how to be strong. You encouraged me to never give up. You are an amazing person and your book will go far! You are one of the few people I can completely relate to when it comes to having epilepsy and it will be great for young children experiencing the challenge to read your book. All My Love!”
“This book is gentle and factual and developmentally on-target for kids. I love Rocheford’s non-alarmist approach and writing style. It’s a must-read for teachers, and certainly for families dealing with this issue.”
“Mommy, I Feel Funny! is a well written book carefully thought through with the child in mind. Epilepsy is a complex illness and with these touching illustrations the topic is brought down to a child’s level, therefore making this book an ideal tool for teachers and parents to help educate children of a primary age.”
“Having worked in schools for 35 years, I have come to appreciate children’s books, especially those that capture extreme challenges to the child and parents. Mommy, I Feel Funny! did that for me right from the first page turn. For those of us who do not understand the world of epilepsy, I loved the hope the book portrays through carefully chosen words and beautiful illustrations.”
“My daughter loves this book! I purchased this book for my 3 yr. old daughter who was recently diagnosed with myoclonic seizure disorder. I realized that I needed something that could explain to her the tests and appointments that we had been having to undergo from the perspective of a child. She loved the book and we read it often. Afterwards, she talks about the story and I hear her playing and talking about the seizures and the topics of the book. This gives me great comfort that she is understanding and processing the information! A must have for families of children with seizures and epilepsy. A good book for educators and doctors to pass on to others!”
“Mommy, I Feel Funny! is indeed a very thoughtful, charming, sensitive, well written book! The author’s personal experience no doubt enabled her to communicate a child’s perspective so perfectly. I am sure it will be a great resource for families (and the illustrations are lovely!). It is a wonderful book! I am happy to have it in my office library and will certainly pass it along to any patients who can benefit from it.”
“It is truly a gift that you have to be able to share your experiences and at the same time provide positive reinforcement to children with epilepsy. I think your story sends a positive message to all children and adults.”
“My daughter was diagnosed with absence epilepsy when she was 2. She is now 8 years old and for six years I have wished for a book that would tell a story that would help her understand what she is going through. Like Nel, she has had MRI’s and EEG’s. She loved the pictures of Nel with “spaghetti hair” … we have always called it “rainbow hair” because of the multicolored EEG wires. Even though she’s experienced seizures for quite some time this is the one thing that has helped her talk about all the tests that she’s bravely accepted, enabled her to ask questions, and empowered her to hope for great things in her future. This book is a must for every child who deals with the daily challenges of epilepsy and I am recommending it for the library at her school.”
“At the Epilepsy Alliance, we often get calls from parents asking about books and resources to help them talk to their children…There are few books that deal with the subject from a child’s point of view…This book is an invaluable resource…” Read more of Jill’s letter here
“I wanted to thank you so much for writing your story. My 6 year old daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy when she was 3 years old. And, like you, she has partial complex seizures that are preceded by an aura. She has always called them her “funny feelings.” Finding this book means so much. As I am sure you know, when you are a mommy and your child is “ill,” you want to know exactly what is wrong and how you can fix it. My daughter, Autumn, has just lately been old enough to express some of what she is feeling when she has an aura. She has tried numerous medications and is currently on Dilantin and Trileptal. She usually does not go more than 4 days without seizures. Surgery has been brought up because she does have a focal point, haven’t really gone there yet with the doctors. We meet with the Dr. again soon. Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for your beautifully written book. It felt like I was reading Autumn’s story. May you continue to bless people with your knowledge and experience.”
“Danielle, Thanks for sending your book, “Mommy, I Feel Funny!” It is a charming account of…” Read more of Dr. Bazil’s letter here
“Dear Ms. Rocheford, Thank you so much for sending me a copy of Mommy, I Feel Funny! A Child’s Experience with Epilepsy. This is a beautiful and…” Read more of Dr. Carson’s letter here
“It’s a wonderful story! I felt such an emotional impact while reading it which brought tears to my eyes! It was informative, reassuring, and moving. It is something that will appeal to children as well as give hope to their parents.”
“If only one child with epilepsy can grow up to learn that he or she is capable of doing anything, this book is a success. Having epilepsy is a lot like not knowing when the fire alarm is going to go off, but with medication, counseling and yes, even surgery, there is hope living with epilepsy. Congratulations to Nel for having the courage, strength and determination to work with her epilepsy and not merely survive, but thrive.”
“Mommy, I Feel Funny! A Child’s Experience with Epilepsy is a delightful and inspirational story about a girl who refuses to let epilepsy interfere with her life, even at a very young age. As an adult, she reflects on her accomplishments and openly shares her experience with others through this story. It is a joyful and cherished resource for helping children understand epilepsy.”
“What a wonderful story of discovery, inner strength and personal triumph. As the parents of an epileptic child, this book offers a window into our son’s world. Through simple but thorough explanations, we learn what Nel experiences when she has a seizure, visits her doctor and has testing done. Every child with epilepsy and parent of a child with epilepsy should hear this story.”
“This is a short and very reassuring story of what a child with epilepsy might face. There are so many potentially frightening experiences and misperceptions possible as children wind their way through the medical community on their way to treatment and beyond. These are handled calmly and with a deep understanding of how the child perceives them.”
“Mommy, I Feel Funny! is a wonderful book! The author gives a superb explanation of Nel’s first seizure and visits to the doctor, as well as going through the diagnosis procedures and treatment. This is a great book not only for a child who has epilepsy, but for family and friends as well. I plan to make this book available in my office so that everyone can see that children with epilepsy can live happy, normal lives!”
“The author shares an emotional story that allows the reader to feel the courage and bravery of a young girl in pursuit of a better life against some difficult or challenging circumstances. I was drawn into the story from the first words, finishing the book with a new outlook on life and a big smile on my face!”
“Wow! This is a powerful story of a courageous life. I particularly appreciate the characterizations of the hospital tests in a way that calms fears and engages a child’s silly-o-meter. You’re modeling for parents how to talk with their children about hospital visits, which makes the story appropriate for children and parents going through any medical exploration.”
“I am very impressed with the way you delivered your story. You have made it easy for a reader to understand, and yet it is also written in an informative, heartfelt manner.”
