Picture Books for
Children Ages 3 to 8
Michael’s Mommy Has Breast Cancer, by Lisa Torrey, Hibiscus Press (September 1999). With the help of Grandma and Daddy, Michael learns how to cope with his mom’s illness and his own feelings of guilt, anger, fear, and helplessness, and experiences the joy of Mommy's recovery.
My Mommy Has Cancer, by Carolyn Stearns Parkinson, Park Press (Rochester, NY 1991). A five-year old boy deals with his mother’s breast cancer. The book relies upon clinical descriptions of the basics of cell biology and the chemotherapy. The book also describes hospital visits, and has a
Halloween context.
The Hope Tree: Kids Talk About Breast Cancer, Laura Numeroff, Wendy Schlessel Harpham, David M. McPhail, Simon & Schuster (September 2001). In a fictional support group, animal characters each describe feelings regarding various experiences of a loved one with cancer. Issue format directed to the 4-8 year old reader.
The Paper Chain, by Claire Blake, et al., Health Press (February 1998). In issue- format, two brothers adjust to the life changes that accompany their mother’s breast cancer diagnosis. Comprehensively address issues which occur over the course of a mother’s surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, including fatigue, wigs, increased child responsibility for household chores, and anger.
Tickles Tabitha’s Cancer-tankerous Mommy, by Amelia Frahm and Elizabeth Schultz, Nutcracker Publishing Co. (October 2001). Picture book for ages 4-8 told with humor for the very young child.
Sammy’s Mommy Has Cancer, by Sherry Kohlenberg, Magination Press (New York 1993). Two-year old Sammy and his family deal with the disruption and emotions which occur when Sammy’s mom undergoes breast cancer treatment. Emphasis on the impressions younger children have of the disease, including an ill parent, a fatigued parent and the mother’s hair loss. Simple text, geared for younger children.
When Eric’s Mom Fought Cancer, by Judith Vigna, Concept Books (September 1993). Four or five year old Eric’s grandma comes to take care of him while his mom goes to the hospital for breast cancer surgery. Eric is lonely, anxious and resentful. His Dad takes him on a promised ski trip where they find a special hat for his mom.
Chapter and Other Books For Children 7-12 (and up)
Both Sides Now, by Ruth Pennebaker, Henry Holt and Company (2000). Young adult book chronicles a mother’s breast cancer experience and her daughter’s response to it in dual-diary format.
Our Family Has Cancer, Too!, by Christine Clifford, Pfeifer-Hamilton (1997). Colorful comic book-style illustrations and activities invite readers to write down questions for parents, doctors, or teachers and encourage family dialogue.
Our Mom Has Cancer, by Adrienne Ackerman and Abigail Ackerman, American Cancer Society (January 2001). Billed as a book for ages 9-12, but also suitable for younger children, a non-fiction picture book written and illustrated by twin sister authors whose mother had breast cancer.
Related Books: Children, a Grandparent or Special Friend with Cancer and Other Parent Guides
Good Luck, Mrs. K!, by Louise Borden, Simon & Schuster (May 1999). A third grade girl’s beloved teacher is stricken with cancer and takes a leave of absence from school to undergo treatment. The story addresses anxiety and sadness the girl feels over the absence of her teacher. The teacher returns to visit after her treatment.
Kathy’s Hats: A Story of Hope, by Trudy Kirshner, Albert Whitman & Company (September 1992). Nine year-old Kathy has cancer and wears a colorful collection of hats to compensate for her hair loss. Kathy deals with many aspects of her cancer treatment--nausea, pain, fear and anger and the devastating hair loss. Her friends adjust to Kathy’s hair loss, and eventually celebrate the end of treatment with a hat party.
Life’s a Funny Proposition, Horatio, by Barbara Garland Polikoff, Henry Holt & Company, Inc. (May 1992). Twelve year-old Horatio has already experienced the death of his father from lung cancer when the book opens.
Loose Threads, Lorie Ann Grover, Margaret K. McElderry Books (New York 2002). In this novel in poems, seventh grader Kay Garber shares the experience of her grandmother’s battle with breast cancer. Kay lives in a household with four generations of women—Kay, her mother, her grandmother and her great-grandmother. Kay must come to terms with her grandmother’s diagnosis, treatment, and ultimately, her death.
Mommies Don’t Get Sick, by Marilyn Hafner, Candlewick Press (September 1995). With cartoon style illustrations, we watch Abby cope with her Mom having the flu. This is a light, non-cancer illness story that expresses a child’s feeling of being overwhelmed trying to substitute for mom, and the child’s appreciation of her mom’s return to wellness.
What’s Heaven, by Maria Shriver, Golden Books Publishing Co. (March 1999). In a question and answer format, a parent answers her daughter’s questions about heaven, death and the soul following the death of a grandparent.
When a Parent Has Cancer: A Guide to Caring for Your Children, with Becky and the Worry Cup, by Wendy Schlessel Harpham, M.D., Harper Collins Publisher (February 1997). Self-help book for parents written by a physician, with guidelines for a parent to help his or her child deal with the issues presented when a parent has cancer.
Some books may be out of print.
Every child will react differently to the experience of his or her mother's breast cancer.
