books & resources
Suggested Readings
A Monster Calls
by Patrick Ness
Thirteen-year-old Conor awakens one night to find a monster outside his bedroom window, but not the one from the recurring nightmare that began when his mother became ill–an ancient, wild creature that wants him to face truth and loss.
Mummy’s Lump
by Gillian Forrest
Mummy’s Lump is a reassuring story, told in a familiar way for young children and is suitable for any family who needs to talk about a difficult subject like cancer. It covers diagnosis, going into hospital, treatments and hair loss.
My Brother and Me
by Sarah Courtauld
Told from a child’s perspective, this is the unfolding story of the changes a boy and his family experience when his brother becomes very ill, resulting in hospital stays.
No Matter What
by Debi Gliori
I’m grim and grumpy,” says Small to Large, “and I don’t think you love me at all.” But nothing could be further from the truth–and Large knows just how to reassure Small in this warm and tender story about a child’s biggest worry and a parent’s endless capacity for love.
Only One of Me
by Lisa Wells and Michelle Robinson
The Only One of Me project grew from Lisa’s determination to leave a lasting legacy for her daughters and her desire to help other families rally against the difficulties of loss. Her activities have raised thousands for charity and huge public support through JustGiving has enabled the publication of these beautiful books
Only One of Me – Dad
by Lisa Wells and Michelle Robinson
The Only One of Me project grew from Lisa’s determination to leave a lasting legacy for her daughters and her desire to help other families rally against the difficulties of loss. Her activities have raised thousands for charity and huge public support through JustGiving has enabled the publication of these beautiful books
The Secret C
by Julia A Stokes
This illustrated guide for children provides a sensitive introduction for a child when a parent, sibling or a person close to them is diagnosed with cancer. Cancer in the family is hard for everyone, especially when children are involved. Children need to understand what is happening and it can be hard for adults to explain when they themselves are trying to come to terms with the implications of the diagnosis. Children often want information but sense that they need to protect their parents from the questions they want to ask.
when someone has a very serious illness
by Marge Heegaard
A workbook to help children deal with feelings about serious illness. An excellent resource for helping children learn the basic concepts of illness and various age-appropriate ways of coping with someone else’s illness.
Who will cut the grass?
by Rachel Smith
“Who will do my hair?” and “Who will cut the grass?”, are written by Rachel Smith and illustrated by Joanne Robinson. Rachel is a Family Support Worker and Dramatherapist with the Ulster Cancer Foundation, whilst Joanne is an Art Therapist. These storybooks look at how the illness of a parent affects children, addressing some of the difficult questions they may have, and helping them to prepare.
Who will do my hair?
by Rachel Smith
“Who will do my hair?” and “Who will cut the grass?”, are written by Rachel Smith and illustrated by Joanne Robinson. Rachel is a Family Support Worker and Dramatherapist with the Ulster Cancer Foundation, whilst Joanne is an Art Therapist. These storybooks look at how the illness of a parent affects children, addressing some of the difficult questions they may have, and helping them to prepare.
The huge bag of worries
by Virginia Ironside
A compelling picture book which can be used as a spring board into what worries children today. The lively, comic-style pictures and the general nature of the worries make this excellent for any number of problems. The message of the book is clear—find someone who will listen and talk about your worries.
The Invisible String
by Patrice Karst
Whether it’s a loved one far away, or a parent in the next room, this delightful book illustrates a new way to cope with something all children and parents confront sooner or later; a child’s fear of loneliness and separation. Here is a warm and delightful lesson teaching young and old that we aren’t ever really alone.
