Books to support children when someone is ill
Here are some books about illness which you might find helpful to read with or give to children or young people. These have been recommended by health and social care professionals, including children and family counsellors.
We also have some examples of books about grief and death which you may find helpful when supporting young people.
As big as it gets, 2007 (Winston’s Wish)
A book for adults on supporting a child when a parent is seriously ill. It includes suggestions about what parents and carers might say to children and how to offer support.
Mummy’s lump by Gillian Forrest and Sarah Garson, 2015 (Breast Cancer Now fmr. Breast Cancer Care)
A booklet to help parents and carers talk to young children about breast cancer. It uses simple words and pictures to explain possible treatments, symptoms, and things which might change at home when an adult has breast cancer.
My brother and me by Sarah Courtauld and Rebecca Cobb, 2009 (Child Bereavement UK)
A storybook about a boy who has a serious illness and stays in hospital, and how his brother copes with his different emotions and feelings. Suitable for ages between four and 10.
The Secret C: straight talking about cancer by Julie Stokes and Peter Bailey, 2000 (Winston’s Wish)
An illustrated guide aimed at supporting parents or carers when talking to a child about cancer. It talks about what cancer is, possible treatments and symptoms, and feelings children might have when someone close to them is ill. Suitable for ages seven to 10.
When someone has a very serious illness: children can learn to cope with loss and change by Marge Heegaard, 1991 (Woodland Press)
An activity book to help children explore the feelings they have when they or someone close to them has a serious illness. It includes space for children to draw pictures to show how they are feeling.
External websites
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About this information
This information is not intended to replace any advice from health or social care professionals. We suggest that you consult with a qualified professional about your individual circumstances. Read more about how our information is created and how it's used.
