The children’s book, Safina and the Hat Tree is written by Cynthia Hartman from Illawarra, N.S.W., and is about one woman’s journey through the trials and tribulations of her experience with cancer. Coming from a long line of story tellers and rich multi-cultural background, Cynthia is an accomplished author who relates to young children, being a mother of three and with a fourteen year career working in early childhood centres. The book is aimed at preschool to early primary school children and relays a positive message with simple eye catching illustrations.
Considering the seriousness of the disease, the story centres on the varying emotions of the school teacher which are represented by her collection of unique and colourful hats. The hats are a continuing metaphor throughout the story emphasizing the need for young people to understand that even when people do get sick they are still the same person.
The transition from healthy to sick to recovery is brief and enables children to relate by reaching their level of understanding. With simplicity and humour the author has captured the essence of the situation and expresses the importance of the support networks around her. Throughout her difficult experiences she involves her students so that they can understand first hand the illness and treatment of this disease.
However, because some children may have experienced the loss of a loved one to cancer there is a need to address this possibility so the child can understand all the implications of the illness.
Although the topic of the story is complex, the book conveys a simple and brief message that the children can understand. I do recommend this book for preschool and early primary school ages as it engaged my own children’s interest.
The views expressed in this review are not necessarily those of Breast Cancer Network Australia
Safina and the hat tree 
Author: Cynthia Hartman