San Francisco native and first-time author, Cassaundra Brown, creates What if Strawberries Had No Hats?, a quick-witted, fanciful tale, which highlights childhood cancer awareness. Intended for younger school-age children, the verse is light-hearted, candid and simply educational. All readers will delight in the adventures of Strawberry and all her fruit friends as fancifully drawn by Academy of Art College graduate, June Gomez. Throughout the tale, Strawberries' friends encourage her through the trials of "losing her hat" during the course of cancer medical treatment.

According to the author, "There are many different facets to research, education, and treatment of cancer. Children who have cancer, or know others who do, desire truth and normalcy. They want to know that they are cared for, but like other children, they also want to learn, play and, of course, read!"

"What serves me in writing this philanthropic endeavor is the ability to let my imagination run wild. My hope is that children find the characters relatable, and adults find leukemia and cancer topics approachable. By writing this book, there is more of intimate ownership of combating this curse. It is my personal way of being charitable. Now is a perfect time!"

A portion of sales proceeds is contributed to the University of California, Benioff Children's Hospital, San Francisco, Child Life Services. Website: (https: //www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org/services/child_life/ )