Picture books tagged with: illness

Nowhere Hair

A picture book that steps in to support anyone that needs to explain cancer treatment and its effects to a young child. It also serves as a good reminder that we should not judge or tease people for the way they look, it's what inside that counts the most, and parental love is unwavering, even in the most difficult circumstances.

The Perfect Shelter

A beautiful picture book that explores the complicated and sometimes contradictory emotions that children can feel when they have a loved one with a serious illness.

Coronavirus: A Book for Children about Covid-19

A comprehensive, child-friendly free e-book that is a great way to answer a child's questions or address their concerns on any aspect of the Coronavirus crisis.

The World Made a Rainbow

This reassuring book may help children who are struggling to adapt to social distancing, or who are finding it hard to be separated from friends or family due to the Coronavirus pandemic

My Special Eye

A vibrant, positive picture book narrated by Bruno, an active little boy who has a prosthetic eye. Any child could learn a good deal from this picture book about why people have prostheses, how the eye is cared for, and what it means for the wearer. 'My Special Eye' gives a much-needed voice to monocular children.

The Fix-It Man

A touching portrayal of how a young girl deals with the loss of her mother.

The Itchy-saurus

A funny story book that any child who suffers from eczema or itchy skin is likely to find comforting and reassuring.

The Hospital Hoppities

This story gives a voice to children in long-term hospital care and normalises the hospital environment. It recognises how many selfless acts of kindness are performed in hospitals every day by staff, volunteers and the families of sick children. It also encourages children to be kind and helpful.

The Unstoppable Maggie McGee

A warm, positive reflection of the imagination, friendship and trust of children in long-term hospital care.

The Tide

A warm, reassuring story which helps a child to understand the changes in a loved one who is living with dementia.

Grandma

A comforting (yet realistic) story of the relationship between a young boy and his Grandma who has dementia. Beautifully illustrated and sensitively written, this would be a great choice for any child who has a loved one who is suffering from dementia or is going into a care home.

Mummy’s Lump

Providing a reassuring and realistic account which may dispel some of the fears young children have about cancer, the treatments which are given for it and how it affects family life.

The Copper Tree

This book approaches the difficult subject of grief with sensitivity and sound judgement. The perfect story for children who have lost a much-loved figure in their life.

Topsy and Tim: Go to the Doctor

Introducing young children to what happens on a typical visit to the doctor. Provides a positive description of taking medicine.

What Color Is Today?

A child may feel reassured after reading this book that it is normal to experience a huge array of emotions during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Stuck Inside

Acknowledges the challenges that children may face during the Coronavirus pandemic (missing hugs and activities, freedom to mix and play, etc.)

I Don’t Want to Wash My Hands!

A good choice of picture book to share with a child who is reluctant to wash their hands.

A Kid’s Guide to Coronavirus

A free e-book packed full of information for children about Coronavirus, with additional notes to help parents.

Real Superheroes

A picture book that celebrates the 'real superheroes': the key workers that keep the world turning during difficult times. Encourages children to feel grateful and think of others.

My Hero Is You

This free e-book contains lots of information for children to help them cope with anxieties surrounding Coronavirus.

Feel Better Daddy

An appealing board book that uses simple language, it explores empathy, encouraging young children to understand and respond to another person's feelings.

Tiger Livy

The story acknowledges the struggles of children with serious chronic illnesses and suggests some simple child-friendly coping strategies. It inspires empathy, patience and resilience/grit in young readers.

Betsy Goes to the Doctor

A story about a little girl of pre-school age called Betsy who feels unwell and is taken to see the Doctor for the first time by her mummy. She is worried about letting the Doctor look at her sore ear, but is put at ease when the kind Doctor looks at her toy penguin first.

Pom and Pim

A story about a child who encounters good luck and bad luck. This book can help children to discover how sometimes bad luck can lead to surprising and wonderful good luck!

Peace Lily

A moving story of friendship, bravery and perseverance which is sure to inspire young children, this beautiful picture book pays tribute to the contribution of women during World War One.

Big Tree is Sick

Helps children understand and cope with long-term or life-threatening illness of a relative or friend. The story is particularly relevant to cancer treatment.

Scrambled Heads

This illustrated book aims to support children who are suffering with their mental health. It would also be useful to their siblings, family, friends and classmates, and also to children of parents who are suffering with poor mental health.

Visiting Grandad’s New Home

A charming, positive story to help children to understand dementia and care home life for a grandparent.

Can You Make Me Better?

A good choice for a child who is facing a hospital stay or a significant operation, it introduces many aspects of medical treatment and recovery that children with serious health problems may face

Nurse Ted

This is a very useful text, written in a clear and concise way. It might help a child to understand some of the facts about cancer, its diagnosis and treatment. It could also encourage a child to talk about their emotions if they are experiencing a similar situation.