Christina’s Children’s Books

The Christmas Clown

Christina wrote her first children’s book, The Christmas Clown, in 2002 while serving as a volunteer at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. The book was inspired by the many young children Christina witnessed in the Roswell wards, bravely enduring the unimaginable hardships of the invasive disease.

This 22-page heartwarmer tells the story of Nick, a young boy who has battled cancer since birth. One of the things he resents most about his condition is having to spend every December in the hospital for special chemotherapy treatments. This year, like every other in his short life, he finds himself confined to a hospital bed, dreading what others call, “the most wonderful time of the year.”

Then one December day while waiting for his treatment, Nick meets Virginia—-or June Bug as she likes to be called—-and her special pup, Toby. Their story unfolds amid touching revelations and surprising experiences that help Nick find joy in Christmas—-and share that joy with others.

The Christmas Clown is made whimsical by the detailed illustrations of artist, Sylvia Sheridan. Christina published this book, with a run of 100 copies sold exclusively at the Roswell Park gift shop, with all proceeds benefitting the hospital’s pediatric ward.

What Will You Call Me?

In 2004, Christina was eagerly awaiting the birth of her first grandchild. Amid her excitement she felt a sense of curiosity—what would her grandchild call her?

At the time, her family was blessed with three women, all deserving of the title "grandmother." Yet Christina hoped for something different—a special name that her grandchild would uniquely associate with her. It was that hope that led Christina to write a book expressing her wonder about the name her grandchild would call her.

What Will You Call Me? is a delightful 20-page book of engaging rhymes, all of which explore the wonderful world of grandmother names and nicknames. The magic of the book is brought to life by artist Sylvia Sheridan, whose illustrations perfectly portray the many shapes and faces of women who love and spoil their grandchildren from the moment they are born.

Christina published this book, producing five copies exclusively for her grandchild, her family and herself.
Her first grandchild, Bennett, and his younger sister, Ella, call her “Nana.”