Books
Following are recommendations for books that explain cancer and encourage discussion. Most are available online at Amazon or other book retailers.
Our Family Has Cancer, Too!
By Christine CliffordThis is a short book with pictures that describes a family's experience with cancer and how they coped. It has comments throughout the story that help start conversations with children. Appropriate for ages 3 to 16.
Can I Still Kiss You? Answering Your Children's Questions About Cancer
By Neil RussellAn easy book for parents or older children to read. The question-and- answer format allows readers to answer some of the questions for themselves. Appropriate for preteens and above.
Storybooks
These books tell stories about children with a parent who has cancer. Each book features a child talking about their feelings, questions, and fears.
When a Parent Has Cancer and Becky and the Worry Cup
By Wendy Schlessel Harpham, M.D.Becky is only five, but she has a lot of feelings and questions as she deals with her mother's cancer. One way that Becky deals with her fears is with a worry cup. This book comes with When a Parent has Cancer, A Guide to Caring for Your Children. Appropriate for ages 4 to 15.
Kemo Shark
By Kidscope, Inc.A cartoon illustrated book, featuring "Kemo" the shark who explains how chemotherapy works to fight cancer. Also available in Spanish. Appropriate for ages 3 to 12.
Kids Talk: Kids Speak Out About Breast Cancer
By Laura Numeroff and Wendy S. Harpham, M.D.This book is illustrated showing children as animal people. The children explain what it is like for them when their mother has breast cancer. Appropriate for ages 3 to 10. Available free from the Susan G. Komen Foundation: 800.462.9273.
My Mommy Has Cancer
By Carolyn Sterns ParkinsonA story about Eric whose mother has cancer and is in the hospital. He talks about his feelings and thoughts. Appropriate for young children.
Once Upon a Hopeful Night
By Risa S. YaffeA bed-time tale in rhyme about a mother who has cancer. The story includes many of the feelings and thoughts children have when their parent has cancer. Appropriate for ages 3 to 10.
The Paper Chain
By Claire Blake, et. al.Ben and Marcus learn their mother has cancer and has to go to the hospital. The story deals with their anger and behavior during their mother's treatment. Appropriate for ages 4 to 10.
Sammy's Mommy Has Cancer- also a workbook (see below)
By Sherry KohlenbergSammy tells the story of his mother's cancer. This book is appropriate for very young children.
Tickles Tabitha's Cancer-Tankerous Mommy
By Amelia FrahmTabitha loves having her mother tickle her. Provides a humorous account of how a family copes with cancer and the side-effects of cancer treatment. Appropriate ages 4-12.
When Mommy is Sick
By Ferne Sherkin-LongenA story about a small girl and her chronically-ill mother, their visits in the hospital, and their activities when Mommy is home, provides reassurance to children of ill parents. Appropriate for young children.
Workbooks and coloring books
Young children can draw in these books. They can write about their feelings and express how they see the world around them.
Life Isn't Always a Day at the Beach
By Ganz High Five PublishingA cartoon- illustrated workbook that lets children draw and write about how their life is affected by cancer. Appropriate for ages 4 to 13.
My Book About Cancer
By Rebecca C. SchmidtWhen a father or mother has been diagnosed with cancer, the entire family can be traumatized. "My Book About Cancer" is a workbook that gives children an effective emotional outlet as they cope with their parent's disease. This interactive workbook is both a coloring book and a sketchpad. Children can color various animal characters that depict scenes, images, and emotions likely to be encountered during a parent's illness. Appropriate for ages 3 to 8.
When Someone Has a Very Serious Illness
By Marge HeegaardThis book will help families communicate and evaluate a child's understanding and feelings about family change while teaching basic concepts of illness and healthy coping skills.Appropriate for ages 4 to 13.
Sammy's Mommy Cancer
By Sherry KohlenbergThis warm, sensitive, and straightforward story will help young children understand and accept the changes in their lives when a parent is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Parents will welcome this valuable aid in explaining the illness to their children. Sharing the book together, families will find encouragement in dealing with their sorrow, hopes, and small joys during a difficult time. Suggested activities for parents and children to do before, during, and after treatment are provided in the book's introduction.
