When Mônica is diagnosed with breast cancer, her family’s routine changes overnight. While she faces surgery and chemotherapy with courage and determination, her children, nine-year-old Leonardo and his younger sister Lúcia, struggle to understand what is happening. To cope with his fears, Leonardo retreats into an imaginary world where toy heroes fight epic battles against forces of evil, reflecting his own attempt to make sense of illness, uncertainty, and the possibility of loss.
Written by Juliana Vermelho Martins and inspired by her own experience with breast cancer, Mom Is Bald approaches a difficult subject with honesty, sensitivity, and hope. Rather than focusing solely on illness, the novel explores the emotional impact of a family confronting adversity together, highlighting resilience, empathy, and the importance of open communication between parents and children.
Cecilia Esteves’s illustrations reinforce the story’s emotional depth while maintaining a warm and accessible tone. The visual narrative works alongside the text to bridge reality and imagination, helping readers navigate themes of fear, separation, and healing through a child’s perspective. Rich in emotional authenticity, Mom Is Bald offers a moving portrayal of a family facing one of life’s greatest challenges while holding on to love, humor, and hope.
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