Meet the Artistic Italian Duo behind the Successful Book "My Dad Got Hurt. What Can I Do?"

Nov 08, 2017 858

BY: Brunella Costagliola

"Brunella Costagliola and Valerio Mazzoli. They sound like two good paesans!" This is what people usually say when reading the cover of "My Dad Got Hurt. What Can I Do?", a juvenile fiction book that aims at helping military children learn how to cope when their military parent suffers from traumatic brain injury.

The book, released by the National Academy of Neuropsychology Foundation in July 2017, has been very well received by the American public, and has been welcomed by the American military community as a book that needed to be written. The story of My Dad Got Hurt focuses on Dr. Johnson who, along with Mr. Brain, introduce the reader to the Smith Family, made of Mom, Dad, who is the military member, Jackson, who is nine years old, Isabella, who is seven, and Sally, the dog.

Dad, while deployed, suffers a traumatic brain injury as the result of an accident his Humvee was involved in. When Dad goes back home, he looks like the same person who left, but he is definitely no longer the patient, kind, and supportive parent he used to be. He is now moody, aggressive, and irritable, clear signs of how his personality has been affected by the brain injury. Dr. Johnson explains to Jackson and Isabella that it is not their fault if their father is so upset. Rather, she shows them how the brain functions and explains, in a language that is accessible to children aged 7 to 12, what they can do to help Dad and learn how to cope and adjust to their new normal.

Working tirelessly side by side, Brunella and Valerio stayed true to their vision and mission of helping military children, who are often the most innocent victims of a military-related injury. They gave voice to those who often remain silent and, thanks to Brunella’s ability as a master of words, and Valerio’s exquisite gift as an illustrator, they created a book that has been welcomed by hundreds of people all over the USA. This dynamic duo made in Italy will team up again soon to bring Dr. Johnson and mischievous Mr. Brain to life, on a mission to help children all over the world with their stories. Brunella Costagliola and Valerio Mazzoli, proud of their roots, are thrilled to use their innate Italian artistry and place it at the service of their other home country, the United States of America.

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