Children’s Book Explains Childhood Cancer Diagnoses

Mia the Marvelous Lab Explorer is a new children’s book about pathology and leukemia. Co-authored by Kamran Mirza, MD, PhD, FASCP, of the University of Michigan and Lotte Mulder, PhD, ASCP’s Senior Education Program Manager, the book is both a passion project and a fundraiser. Published in November 2025, it serves as a meaningful way to positively impact a large number of children and the communities that support them. 

“Mia the Marvelous Lab Explorer was born from a simple idea: children deserve to understand what is happening to them when they are sick,” says Dr. Mirza. “As a pathologist, I spend my days behind the scenes making diagnoses that shape care, yet most patients never meet us or understand our role. Mia was our way of opening that door for children and families, using wonder, storytelling, and science to make the invisible visible.” 

“Childhood cancer is especially complicated for parents and caregivers," noted Dr. Mulder. "How do you explain cancer to a five-year-old? We wanted to create a resource for kids, so they really understood what was going on, while also unburdening parents during a difficult time. The illustrations are both scientifically accurate and age-appropriate, helping children visualize exactly what is happening.” 

In addition to vibrant illustrations, the book includes guiding questions developed to help young children build understanding, empathy, and kindness. Because cancer diagnoses ripple out to affect families, friends, and entire communities, the book fills a need across the community. The questions can be used to facilitate group discussions in libraries, schools, and hospitals, helping families talk about how to include friends who cannot attend school or why a patient may experience hair loss. 

A few weeks after the book launch, the authors decided to launch a complementary fundraising campaign—#MissionMarvelous—to help get at least 1,000 copies of Mia the Marvelous into the hands of patients, clinics, hospitals, and libraries. Individuals and organizations can donate funds to purchase books for children with leukemia via the Mission Marvelous: Books for Kids with Leukemia GoFundMe page.

As of late January 2026, the campaign has reached 60 percent of its goal. The #MissionMarvelous fundraiser will conclude on February 15, 2026, in honor of International Childhood Cancer Day.

To learn more about the book and fundraiser, please visit Mia the Marvelous Lab Explorer, Mission Marvelous: Books for Kids with Leukemia (GoFundMe), and Mia the Marvelous Lab Explorer: The Case of Leo's Missing Energy (Amazon).