Mummy’s Lump, by Gillian Forrest (Breast Cancer Care, 2008)
This picture book for young children follows Elly and Jack as they learn of their mother’s diagnosis to the end of her treatment for breast cancer.
Available online at: www2.breastcancercare.org.uk/sites/default/files/Mummy%27s%20lump.pdf
The Kids' Guide to Mommy's Breast Cancer, by Karyn Stowe (AuthorHouse, 2011)
This book helps parents find appropriate explanations in a gentle yet honest and hopeful way. Divided in to chapters according to the different treatments Mommy might face, the stories provide relevant information without feeling overwhelming. Includes a section with ideas and tips for parents.
Nana What’s Cancer?, by Beverlye Hyman Fead & Tessa Mae Hamermesh (American Cancer Society, 2009)
Written by a stage IV cancer survivor and her eleven-year-old granddaughter, this book presents a loving conversation between grandmother and granddaughter that aims to explain the facts about cancer and take away some of the scariness about it. Reading level: ages 4-8
Where’s Mom’s Hair? A Family’s Journey through Cancer, by Debbie Watters (Second Story Press, 2005)
With compassion and gentle humor, this book covers the steps in cancertreatment from the perspective of the patient’s children. Reading level: ages 4-8
Mom and the Polka-Dot Boo-Boo: A Gentle Story Explaining Breast Cancer to a Young Child, by Eileen Sutherland (American Cancer Society, 2007)
Written by a mother and illustrated by her young daughter, this book gently prepares children for what lies ahead in the weeks and months following their mother’s diagnosis. Reading level: ages 4-8
Our Mom Has Cancer, by Abigail and Adrienne Ackermann (American Cancer Society, 2001)
When Abigail and Adrienne's mom told them she had cancer, they were afraid. When the two sisters couldn't find any books for kids that explained what might happen to their mother and what they might expect, they decided to write one themselves. Reading level: ages 4-8
Chemo Cat, by Cathy Nilon (Ravena Press, 2007)
The story of a young family, personified as a family of cats, who are dealing with a mother’s breast cancer diagnosis. Reading level: ages 4-8
Kemo Shark, by H. Elizabeth King (KidsCope, 1995). Order or download electronic copy free of charge from www.kidscope.org
Kemo Shark is the hero of a 16-page comic book designed to help children understand the psychological and physiological changes in a parent with cancer who undergoes chemotherapy. Reading level: ages 4-12
Sammy's Mommy Has Cancer, by Sherry Kohlenberg (Magination Press, 1993)
This story will help young children understand and accept the changes in their lives when a parent is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Suggested activities for parents and children to do before, during and after treatment are provided in the book's introduction. Reading level: ages 4-8
The Paper Chain, by Claire Blake, Eliza Blanchard, Kathy Parkinson (Health Press, 1997)
A sensitive, realistic and practical book that follows a mother through all stages of her treatment. Reading level: ages 4-8
The Year My Mother Was Bald, by Ann Speltz (Magination Press, 2003)
Through her journal and scrapbook, Clare tells her story, shares her feelings, and describes her family's experiences from her mother's diagnosis to chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Young readers will learn to understand the science of cancer and its treatments and will take comfort in knowing that they're not alone and that their feelings are normal. Reading level: ages 9-12
When Someone Has a Very Serious Illness: Children Can Learn to Cope with Loss and Change, by Marge Heegaard (Woodland Press, 2005)
A workbook format in which children are encouraged to draw their feelings; the children supply the pictures. Reading level: ages 9-12
