A Caversham father has launched a heart-warming children’s book alongside his son to capture ‘the joy and hope in life’ following a heartbreaking diagnosis.
Carsten Pleiser, an entrepreneur and independent film-maker was unexpectedly diagnosed with advanced cancer on October 1, 2023.
As he receives treatment at the Royal Marsden Hospital, father and son - Sidney - have set off on a journey to create something meaningful through his illness and hard times.
The children’s book is a father-son collaboration titled "A Sweet Journey Through Space - The Exciting Adventures of Chocolate, The Little Alien and tells a story about of adventure, friendship, and the pure magic of a child’s fantasy.
"We wanted to do something meaningful together, something that captures the essence of joy and the spirit of hope," said Carsten. "Creating this book allowed Sidney to channel his vibrant imagination, and it gave me a beautiful opportunity to connect deeper with my son during a challenging time in our lives."
The book tells a story about a little alien with an insatiable love for strawberry cake on a quest across the cosmos that leads him to our very own Planet Earth.
As Chocolate explores new flavours and experiences, he’s learning to appreciate the uniqueness of Earth's offerings and forming cherished bonds. The narrative was entirely conceived by son Sidney and his imagination.
Carsten added: "We hope that Chocolate’s adventures will not only entertain but also inspire young readers to explore the wide world around them and find joy in the unexpected," Carsten adds. "It’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the boundless creativity of a child’s mind."
"The Adventures of Chocolate, The Little Alien" is more than just a story; it celebrates life, imagination, and the unexpected friendships that make our journeys worthwhile.”
Alongside Carsten and Sidney the heartwarming book is brought to life through illustration by Ukrainian-born Mariana Diuh.
All proceeds of the book wil go to the Royal Marden Hospital where Carsten is receiving treatment.
Alongside the book, the Caversham man has taken to documenting his journey online through his YouTube channel where he outlines his ongoing journey.
This offers a window into his cancer journey alongside treatment and healing.
The book is available on Amazon as paperback for £7.99 or digitally with all proceeds going to charity.
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