Graffeg releases artwork for Wells’ picture book

Welsh independent publisher Graffeg has released artwork for There’s Only One of Me, a picture book about losing a parent, by cancer patient Lisa Wells and picture book author Michelle Robinson.

Graffeg is publishing two versions of the book - a ‘Dad’ version with illustrations by Tim Budgen and a ‘Mum' edition with illustrations by Catalina Echeverri. Both editions will be published on 12th October in hardback, priced at £12.99.                       

Wells wanted to publish a book about losing a parent after being diagnosed with terminal cancer last year. Michelle Robinson, who has published picture books with Hachette Children’s Group, among other publishers, helped write the text and launched a kickstarter page to cover costs.

Earlier this month Graffeg m.d. Peter Gill said he wanted to publish There’s Only One of Me because he was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer in 2004. “The outlook wasn’t good - it was quite a shock to me and my family at the time. I haven’t forgotten how I felt about the possibility of leaving them, within a very short period of time.

“As it turned out I was one of the lucky ones who survived, thanks to a brilliant medical team whose diagnosis and treatment at an early stage saved my life. If by publishing There’s Only One of Me we can help children and others to remember loved ones who have left too soon, it all seems incredibly worthwhile.”

UK-based book binder CPI Antony Rowe of Melksham is printing the book and author and illustrator royalties will be donated to two charities: Mummy’s Star, which supports women and their families affected by cancer during pregnancy; and We Hear You (WHY), which provides free professional counselling to anyone affected or bereaved by cancer or other life threatening conditions.