Book list for children when someone is seriously ill

Here are some book suggestions for children when the person is ill or in bereavement. It is advisable for an adult to read the book before giving it, or, reading it with the child so that the adult can make a decision as to whether it’s suitable for their particular child. The age range given is very approximate and depends on the level of development of the child.

As Big As It Gets (A Winston’s Wish publication)

provides a good guide for parents and carers about how to talk to children in all age groups. It’s simple format makes it easy to read but it has good information and helpful hints and tips.

Talking to children and teenagers when an adult has cancer & Preparing a Child for Loss

These are Macmillan Cancer Support Publications (available free, order from their website). Again containing really useful information and tips for talking with children of all ages about these very difficult subjects.

When someone has a very serious illness by Marge Heegaard (1988)

A workbook that an adult can use to help guide a child through their thoughts and feelings when an adult in their family is seriously ill. Useful for children aged 5 upwards.

The Secret C: Straight talking about Cancer by Julie Stokes

This book, which is suitable for children aged 9-12 years, is aimed at carers or parents, to help them explain to their child about cancer. It takes the situation through the treatments and to the point where the person may not survive.

Booklist for bereaved children

A child’s grief: supporting a child when someone in the family has died (a Winston’s wish publication) . A simple, easy to read guide for adults supporting a child in bereavement.

Is Daddy coming back in a minute? By Eike and Alex Barber 2016

This is a good storybook for very young children. It explains the concept of sudden death to small children, based on real-life discussions between the two authors – mother and son following the sudden death of daddy.

Missing Mummy: A book about bereavement. By Rebecca Cobb 2011

A book for young children exploring loss from a child’s point of view. It can be helpful in allowing a child to begin to explore their emotions.

No Matter What by Debbie Gliori 2003

Though not directly about death, this story book reassures young children that love never dies.

Muddles Puddles and Sunshine by Diana Crossley 2009

A workbook designed to provide a helpful series of activities and exercises for an adult to help children aged 6 -12 explore loss and grief.

The Invisible String by Patricia Karst (2018)

A simple approach to loss – even though you can’t always be your loved ones, there is an invisible string connecting you to the people you love. Suitable for children aged around 5-8 years.

When dinosaurs die by Laurie Krasny (1998)

This book uses cartoon dinosaurs to illustrate the text. It explains death in a simple way and explores issues such as:- why do people die? It also look at the funeral and other rituals. Probably suitable for children 6-12 years.

Always and Forever by Alan Durante

This book tells the story of 4 animals, one of whom dies, and their friends different reactions. Also suitable for children aged 6 -12 years.

What on earth do you do when someone dies? By Trevor Romaine 2003

This is a book for slightly older children around 9-12. It is a factual guide with tips and information.

Straight talk about death for teenagers by Earl Grollman 1993

A book for teenagers, examining the range of normal thoughts and feelings experienced when someone dies.

The Grieving Teen by Helen Fitzgerald 2000

A detailed book for teenagers which covers the time from anticipating the death and into bereavement. The book is helpful for teenagers in that enables them to identify their thoughts and feelings and gives strategies for dealing with them.