All about Me (and My Shunt)

Book excerpt: ALL ABOUT ME (and my shunt), written and illustrated by Terri Rice Bellush, is a long-overdue educational and heartwarming book about Hydrocephalus written for very young children. This fun, yet serious story is told through the eyes of a young girl named Janet. She tells us some of the typical things she likes to do, such as read books and visit her grandparents. She then explains about her Hydrocephalus on a level that young children can understand. We are then led through Janet's experience of having a shunt. She describes some of the symptoms she has when her shunt isn't working properly. We also follow her through the process of getting her shunt fixed at the hospital. Janet concludes her tale by telling us that having a shunt isn't so bad because it helps keep her alive so she can do all the things that she enjoys. Included at the end of the book are brief descriptions and simple drawings of three common types of shunts: Ventriculo-Peritoneal, Ventriculo-Pleural and Ventriculo-Atrial. This book is an excellent way to comfort and teach young children about Hydrocephalus and shunts. Reviews Unlike any other book of it's type - it talks from Janet's point of view. She covers everything from hospitalization, to knowing that 'shunts break like toys', her teachers knowing her condition, and states that 'having a shunt isn't so bad.' We recommend this book, especially to parents with young children. However, adults would enjoy it too. The illustration is unique and very child-friendly. The entire booklet was colorful, demonstrated in a way that is understandable from the very young to adults. We believe that you will find this book very worthwhile. - Debbi Fields, Executive Director - National Hydrocephalus Foundation