Peter and His Magic Bedtime Cap — Paul Nichols

"Peter and His Magic Bedtime Cap" was inspired by my own fight against cancer and against the feelings of hopelessness that so often prevails in such a battle. Peter is a boy who is lonely and melancholy. The treatments that he endured, in order to rid his young body of the deadly disease that he has, have left him unable to run, jump, play, and be like all the other little boys and girls in his neighborhood. It is his father, perceiving Peter's sadness and loneliness, who provides him with a gift that helps his son overcome hopelessness and encourages him to dream big and to live life with anticipation.

Peter's "magic" cap allows him and his father to journey together through imaginary, magical experiences. The cap enables Peter to not only be a "normal" boy for a short period of time, but an "enchanted" boy, special and without comparison. Peter discovers through his journeys and inner strength, imagination, and joy that will fuel his road to health.

Ultimately, however, the story is not about Peter alone, but is equally about his relationship with his father and their love and need for one another. So many children's books are about children who seem abandoned and left to face tough issues and circumstances all alone. "Peter and His Magic Bedtime Cap" is a story that demonstrates how vital and unique the love and support of family and friends is to one's own process towards growth, health, and life. I know that to be true in my own journey towards hope and recovery.

--Paul Nichols