Why did I write the book?

While I had been thinking about writing a book about Fizzly Wizzly, the idea for a sticker book that would provide children the option to write their own version came together while I was recovering from open heart surgery. I had been treated for congestive heart failure pharmaceutically for several years, but my heart became too weak to work on its own. I underwent lifesaving surgery to install a new tool known as a Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD). The insertion requires open heart surgery whereby a pump is attached to the bottom of the Left Ventricle, accompanied by a cannula connected to the right atrium of the heart. The pump is used to assist the failed heart to circulate the blood around the body. It took a considerable amount of time in a hospital bed to heal, giving me lots of time to think – that’s how I came up with the idea of an interactive story book. I thought of the kids in hospital long term at the Stollery Hospital for Children; how scared and boring it must be for them, and how tough it would be to keep up with learning. I also thought having a fun memento of the hospital stay would be much more positive reminder than an illness. I wanted the book to be appropriate for any child, anywhere, as a keepsake of their younger years.