Understanding Serious Illness
Serious illness can bring uncertainty, difficult questions, and emotions that children may struggle to express. These thoughtfully selected books offer age-appropriate ways to explore illness, changing circumstances, hope, and, when necessary, conversations about death and dying.
Gentle Willow: A Story for Children About Dying
by Joyce C. Mills
Written for children who may not survive their illness or for the children who know them, this tender and touching tale helps address feelings of disbelief, anger, and sadness, along with love and compassion.
Kathy's Hats: A Story of Hope
by Trudy Krisher
Through the story of a young girl facing cancer, this book explores the changes illness brings and the importance of hope, family, and support.
My Journey of Hope:A Child's Guidebook for Living with Cancer
by Sarah Jean Kovar, Age 11
Written by an eleven-year-old girl, this personal account offers a young person’s perspective on living with a life-threatening illness.
On The Wings Of A Butterfly: A Story About Life and Death
by Marilyn Maple
A gentle story exploring serious illness, life, and death through the experience of a child with cancer.
Will I Still Have To Make My Bed In The Morning?
by Barry Rudner
A child with a terminal illness wonders about dying.
Super Daisy
by Rebecca Smith
Inspired by a real child’s cancer journey, this picture book celebrates resilience and aims to raise awareness about childhood cancer.
Every child's experience with serious illness is different. Sometimes a story can help open a conversation, give voice to difficult feelings, or simply remind a young reader that they are not alone.