Char Bear Keeps Dancing!
A Story About Pediatric Epilepsy

​A children's book to promote awareness, action, and advocacy for the pediatric epilepsy known as infantile spasms. Written by a parent of a child diagnosed with infantile spasms and two physicians, the book is both uplifting and informative.

Char Bear Keeps Dancing was born out of a mother's love, determination and a hope for a better experience for other families receiving a similar diagnosis.

Kate Kostolansky, Author

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​New England born and raised, Kate Kostolansky lives in Exeter, New Hampshire with her husband, Brett, their two beautiful children, Charlotte and Theodore, and one lovable but very naughty newfoundland poodle, Grizzly Rose. Their hands and hearts are filled to the brim! 

 Kate brings her personal experience as a mom of a child diagnosed with IS (infantile spasms) and all the mama bear qualities that come with it. Determined to shed light onto this largely unheard of condition, she set out to share her journey in the hopes other families would find comfort during their diagnosis. 

​This is Kate's first children's book and she likens it to quintessential motherhood where you have no experience, are in over your head but, somehow wing it anyway! She is publishing with that same spirit - plenty of self-doubt outweighed by lots of love! 

Books, Bears & Pediatric Epilepsy Advocacy

​​"We are excited to have just launched our Brave Bears and are planning future books.
​Thanks for following along and all your support!" -Kate Kostolansky

More Information

Reviews:

“After my child was diagnosed, I struggled to find any helpful resources, especially to explain to their older brother. This book has brought a bright light and helpful way to explain to family and friends. Now, bedtime stories aren’t over until we read Char Bear Keeps Dancing! Thank you to the amazing authors!!!” -Ally M. 

“Char Bear Keeps Dancing provides awareness and accurate information about infantile spasms. I am thrilled to be a part of this outstanding project with two dynamic co-authors!” -Dr. Christopher Yuskaitis

"My daughter has Epilepsy and she is proudly Autistic. We loved reading this book together and she read it alone, too.  There were so many emotional moments for us, but the book really opened up the conversation. The illustrations are so sweet and my daughter loves knowing she isn't alone and that, like Char Bear, she can keep dancing. I would have loved to have this book when she was younger." - Amazon Review

"Kate Kostolansky provides a beautiful, positive and hopeful education for anyone dealing with a child's epilepsy. How a parent responds to a child's condition will directly influence how that child navigates the challenge - and this book is ideal for the parent who needs to normalize this insidious thing to a child - leaving enthusiasm, inclusiveness and smiles. An heroic contribution!" -Amazon Review

​"There are about 2,500 newly diagnosed cases per year in the United States alone. Unfortunately, that number does not account for the many that are still undiagnosed. By creating Char Bear Keeps Dancing, we hope to help both children and adults better understand and identify Infantile Spasms. The book is not only a helpful resource to increase awareness, but plays an important role in increasing prompt diagnoses, too." - Kate Kostolansky
Ella's Way, where kindness starts early.