Category: Children and adolescent development and health

Kids With Migraine-a book review

Ms. Stein introduces her book by explaining it is fiction based on personal experience, so when she describes the migraine “aura” she understands what that means. (Aura is the intial sign of an impending migraine headache, usually visual changes.)

The Day My Best Friend and a Migraine Slept Over

Written by Audrey Beth Stein

Illustrated by Ana Solarte

Author Audrey Beth Stein could have written a cute, fun to read book for kids  about “the day my best friend slept over. But by adding “and a MIGRAINE” she took it to the next level, creating a fun learning activity as well. For that reason, I recommend it for kids as well as their parents.

An 8 year old with migraine

Migraine doesn’t affect everyone but those who suffer with this debilitating condition know the physical pain is just one aspect of it. The other is the way it disrupts life, often unpredictably-like when this 8 year old girl is anticipating a fun adventure with her best friend Allie.  

Ms. Stein introduces her book by explaining it is fiction based on personal experience, so when she describes the migraine “aura” she understands what that means. (Aura is the intial sign of an impending migraine headache, usually visual changes.)

As she narrates Allie’s “throbbing headache”, we learn how with her parents’ help she copes with the pain and disability, and how working together they manage to save her special day.

We don’t learn much about how her friend reacts to Allie’s distress, but she shows concern and doesn’t create more stress for her hosts. In the end both girls have fun doing the kinds of things all kids should get to enjoy without migraine getting in the way. 

I’ve been so moved by the response to this book… I truly had no idea when I started writing how many people experienced migraine, and I’m grateful to know that the book is touching a chord. As reviewer Shirley A. Sanders says, “My little one suffers migraines, so she appreciates knowing she doesn’t suffer alone.”

Audrey Beth Stein

The colorful illustrations by Ana Solarte do more than show us what happens. She captures the emotions of migraine with details that reflect Allie’s distress and highlight her parents’ attempts to relieve it.

publicationslip_the_day_my_best_friend_and_a_migraine_slept_over_0604Download

If your child gets headaches

I was surprised that there is no medical disclaimer, but the author did not present her ideas as medical advice.

As with any health information media, I advise against using it for diagnosis or treatment without personal medical direction. If your child has unexplained headaches I suggest you seek medical consultation with a qualified health professional.

I received a complimentary advance reader copy of this book via NetGalley and the publishers.

“This book should be
read by parents, teachers, friends
and families of migraine sufferers.
Congratulations to the author for
bringing this information to a greater
audience.”
—

Marc Irwin Sharfman MD
Board Certified Neurologist
Headache Institute, Longwood Florida

Further reading about migraine in kids

Headaches in Children

Migraine Variants In Children

Dolores de cabeza

Exploring the HEART of health in books

I’d love for you to follow this blog and follow me on social media.

I share information and inspiration to help you transform challenges into opportunities for learning and growth.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

Medical stethoscope and heart on a textured background

Dr Aletha

Bookshop.org is an online bookstore that financially supports local, independent bookstores.

We believe bookstores are essential to a healthy culture and they are dedicated to the common good.

Bookshop.org donates a portion of every sale to independent bookstores.

A Visit to Wow! Children’s Museum

I talk about my visit to WOW! Children’s Museum dedicated to engaging children and families in creative learning experiences. This bright, colorful interactive museum is in Lafayette, Colorado, near Denver .

“We specialize in highly interactive programs for small groups that give each child an opportunity to explore art, science, and culture.”

updated November 12, 2025

I’ve covered some heavy topics here, but this post is lighter, something fun.

On a visit to my son’s home in Colorado, we had fun exploring a children’s museum.

If you live near or visit the area, I recommend it for young kids- and their parents and grandparents, too.

WOW! World of Wonder Children’s Museum

The fun starts even before you go inside; look what greeted us on the outside wall- a carrot garden with a bunny, robin, and mice.

  • a white rabbit painted on a brick wall
  • a red and black bird painted on a brick building
  • 2 mice eating carrots in a garden-painted on a brick wall

“We specialize in highly interactive programs for small groups that give each child an opportunity to explore art, science, and culture. “

SIGN-WOW!WORLD OF WONDER CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
entering the WOW WORLD OF WONDER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM Lafayette, Colorado

WOW, WORLD OF HEALTH

Of course, my favorite part was the Kids Clinic, sponsored by the Children’s Hospital of Colorado . Signs describing the various rooms and activities are written in English and Spanish.

“How tall are you?”

Exhibits to show kids the bones and other body parts.

Even some real xrays-with fractures!

Visit WOW! Children’s Museum

WOW! Children’s Museum is dedicated to engaging children and families in creative learning experiences. This bright, colorful, interactive museum is in Lafayette, Colorado, near Denver.

My grandson and I are exploring movement.

WOW! plays a critical role in our community by providing informal play experiences in a safe and educational environment.

We offer a variety of program formats to meet the diverse needs of our community – from drop-in programs for children as young as 2 years old to outreach programs at local schools.

Within our Museum walls, children explore exhibits about a variety of subjects, including STREAM, art, music, dance, theater and practical life.

We connect children to caregivers, families to families, and people to the place we live. By working with local musicians, artists, educators, and storytellers, we’re connecting children with the rich resources available in our community, and helping teach them about their world.

WOW!’s mission is to serve the entire community by providing a quality Museum experience for children and families of all backgrounds and abilities.
a play workbench for kids with miniature tools-kids interactive museum
“What will you build? at this workbench, complete with tools.

Our Sensory Friendly Playtime is designed especially for children with autism or sensory processing disorders and their families. The Museum turns down sounds and lights on exhibits, provides special adaptive equipment like weighted vests and headphones, and has an occupational therapist at the event as a resource for families.”

Mom, Dad, and their son are creating a design with colored cylinder pegs.

I’ve enjoyed sharing some of the fun I had with my grandchild and his parents on a much-anticipated visit. We had planned a trip several months ago, but it was cancelled due to COVID.

Thank God they all recovered; his parents were vaccinated but he was not. We are thankful that the vaccine is now approved for kids his age.

Post Images

I took all of the photos in this post. The captions are quotes from the museum’s website. This is not a sponsored post.

a balloon suspended in the air

Dr Aletha

Your Museum Memories

When was the last time you visited a museum? What did you enjoy about it? What did you learn? What was the worst part?

Maybe it’s time to visit a museum again. There are so many options as far as subject, location, cost, time, and formats. You can even visit some museums online.

Visiting a museum with an objective in mind may help you get more from it. On the other hand, going without preconceived ideas may reveal surprises and unexpected benefits.

The National Endowment for the Humanities gives these suggestions for

How to Visit a Museum

Exploring the HEART of health, fun, and learning

I’d love for you to follow this blog and follow me on social media.

I share information and inspiration to help you transform challenges into opportunities for learning and growth.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

Dr. Aletha