Zuma's Magical Balloon

Created in memory of my 9-year-old son Kingston, Zuma's Magical Balloon is more than a story-it's a way to help children and families navigate the hardest parts of love: loss, change, and letting go.

Kingston spent six years bravely fighting brain cancer, teaching everyone around him that love never disappears-even when life changes forever. As his mom, I wrote and illustrated this book to honor his life and to offer comfort to other families facing the unimaginable.

A gentle and heartfelt story about love, letting go, and knowing that the ones we love are never truly gone.

Zuma loves balloons-each one special in its own way. But there's one balloon that feels different. It twirls, bounces, and shines as if it has a little bit of magic inside. No matter what, it stays by her side-until the day the wind pulls it toward the sky.

Zuma doesn't want to let go. She holds on tight, but some things are meant to fly. As she watches her balloon float higher, she realizes that love never disappears-it stays with us, always.

Zuma's Magical Balloon is a comforting story that helps children process loss, change, and big feelings in a way that feels safe, warm, and full of wonder.

• Perfect for bedtime, classroom read-alouds, and anyone who has ever had to say goodbye.

• A heartfelt story for children and grown-ups alike who have experienced loss, reminding them that love stays with us, no matter where we are.

• Ideal for parents, teachers, counselors, and grief support groups looking for age-appropriate ways to talk about death, grief, and letting go.

For readers who love The Invisible String and The Rabbit Listened, this story brings comfort, hope, and a little bit of magic to those navigating life after loss.

A portion of every sale supports my ongoing mission as a pediatric cancer advocate, helping families in honor of Kingston's legacy. Thank you for being part of this story and for helping us continue the work he inspired.