Only One of Me: A Love Letter From Mum

Winner of the Best Emotional Health Book at the Northern Lights Book Awards 2020

'Everyone's mum is unique, and only they can do the things they do! But what if Mum isn't going to be around much longer? This extraordinarily touching book looks at the reality of losing a parent and provides a broad platform for discussions with children and wider family members about the support children need when a mother dies. Comforting and playful illustrations in warm hues and a well-written rhyming text elevate what is perhaps an essential picture book for families in this difficult situation.' Children's Books Ireland

'An extraordinary picture book, filled with love and comforting words in simple, poetic verse...I can't think of a better book to help families facing all the challenges that bereavement brings, it is timeless, evocative, moving and flowing with positivity and reassurance.' Fallen Star Stories

'Written by Lisa Wells, who was diagnosed with terminal bowel and liver cancer in 2017, this is a beautiful love letter for her children to remember her by, but is also a gentle and comforting message for any family coping with terminal illness or facing the challenges of bereavement together. Catalina Echeverri’s illustrations perfectly show the unwavering love that a mother has for her child, in good times and bad, and there’s an empty spread at the end for a message and photo to be added for a loved one. An immensely powerful, compassionate, and important book.' Book Trust

'There's only one mum quite like me. I wish that there were two. I'd have more time to spend And I would spend it all with you.'

Most of us can't imagine having the time we spend with our children or loved ones cut short, but this is the reality being faced by mother of two Lisa Wells, who was diagnosed with terminal bowel and liver cancer in December 2017 at the age of 31.

The Only One of Me project grew from Lisa's determination to leave a lasting legacy for her daughters and her desire to help other families rally against the difficulties of loss.

Only One of Me is the product of Lisa's lifelong love of writing and a newfound friendship with award-winning children's author Michelle Robinson. The two collaborated on this tender and moving rhyming poem, with charming illustrations by Catalina Echeverri, which is both a love letter to Lisa's own daughters and a testament to the unwavering strength of parental love, a timeless message for families facing the challenges of bereavement.