Illness books for kids
Award winning
Dreaming the Bear
Mimi Thebo, 2017
176 pages
Why to read
Engaging story enhances empathy and emotional understanding.
Encourages connection with nature and wildlife appreciation.
Promotes resilience and persistence through challenging situations.
Supports language development and imaginative thinking.

Dreaming the Bear
Mimi Thebo, 2017
Award winning
A Time to Die (One Last Wish Book 1)
Lurlene N. Mcdaniel, 1992
192 pages
Why to read
Explores themes of friendship, bravery, and self-discovery.
Encourages emotional resilience and coping with challenges.
Supports discussions about life, loss, and hope.

A Time to Die (One Last Wish Book 1)
Lurlene N. Mcdaniel, 1992
Award winning
What Happens When Someone I Love Doesn't Feel Good: A Book About Chronic or Terminal Illness That Won't Go Away
Sara Olsher, Jenni Rogers, 2023
39 pages
Why to read
Addresses understanding chronic and terminal illness for kids.
Fosters empathy towards those with long-term health challenges.
Helps children process complex emotions in nurturing ways.
Encourages family discussions about illness and support.

What Happens When Someone I Love Doesn't Feel Good: A Book About Chronic or Terminal Illness That Won't Go Away
Sara Olsher, Jenni Rogers, 2023
Ladybird Readers Starter Level 5 - Top Dog is Sick
, 2020
Why to read
Fosters Empathy: Engaging with the story of 'Top Dog is Sick' helps children understand and express care and concern for others' feelings and well-being, which is essential at a young developmental stage.
Builds Basic Language Skills: Tailored for early readers, this book uses simple and repetitive language that supports vocabulary development and reading confidence.
Encourages Family Bonding: Reading this book together promotes valuable one-on-one time. Shared reading sessions can enhance parent-child bonding and make learning enjoyable.
Introduces Health Awareness: The theme of illness in 'Top Dog is Sick' provides an opportunity for children to learn about health and wellness topics in a relatable and comforting way.

Ladybird Readers Starter Level 5 - Top Dog is Sick
2020
Award winning
Mommy Medicine
Edwidge Danticat, 2019
32 pages
Why to read
Heartwarming tale of maternal love and care.
Illustrations enhance understanding and engagement.
Supports emotional development and resilience.
Ideal for cozy, reassuring bedtime readings.

Mommy Medicine
Edwidge Danticat, 2019
Award winning
Get Well, Eva
Rebecca Elliott, 2022
80 pages
Why to read
Addresses emotional resilience and empathy development.
Encourages understanding of illness and recovery.
Bright, engaging illustrations captivate young readers.
Supports language and emotional literacy skills.

Get Well, Eva
Rebecca Elliott, 2022
The Contagious Colors of Mumpley Middle School
Fowler DeWitt, 2014
272 pages
Why to read
Engaging mystery captivates and stirs curiosity.
Encourages creative thinking and teamwork.
Colorful illustrations enhance reading enjoyment.
Addresses teamwork and community building.

The Contagious Colors of Mumpley Middle School
Fowler DeWitt, 2014
Award winning
Rudi's Pond
Eve Bunting, 1999
32 pages
Why to read
Explores themes of loss and healing through friendship.
Encourages emotional development and empathy in young readers.
Based on real-life experiences, enhancing relatability and understanding.
Supports conversations about grief between children and adults.
