Because…Someone I Love Has Cancer American Cancer Society. Atlanta. 2003.

This activity book from the American Cancer Society, including twist-up crayons, is designed for children aged 6-12 coping with a loved one with cancer. Activities involve writing, coloring, or both, and are grouped into 6 sections: Label Your Feelings, Know Yourself, Boost Your Self-Esteem, Find Your Strengths, and You Can Handle It. Twenty-three pages of front matter for adults includes helpful information about art therapy, how to use the book, communication, and additional family activities. An excellent tool for helping children work through feelings <back to top>

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The Hope Tree: Kids Talk About Breast Cancer Laura Joffe Numeroff. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, New York. 2001.

Noted children's book illustrator, David McPhail, has infused Hope Tree with lots of kid appeal through his trademark cute and comical animals. This book is organized as the support group scrapbook for school-aged children of moms with breast cancer. A wide range of names and ages, as well as animal narrators will enable all children to identify with the content. Each double-paged spread focuses on one concern, such as "the day my family found out" or "you can't catch it." In addition to outlining what to expect, each vignette suggests a course of action that will help the child gain a sense of control and hope. Superb. <back to top>

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My Mommy Has Cancer Carolyn Parkinson. Park Press, Rochester, NY. 1991.

This story, told in Eric's voice, deals with the emotion surrounding his mom's hospitalization. Realistic illustrations add a warm, yet authentic flavor to the simple story. This would be an excellent choice for an early gradeschooler whose parent is newly diagnosed, dealing with treatment, or more invasive procedures. <back to top>

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Our Mom Has Cancer Abigail Ackerman and Adrienne Ackerman. American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA. 2001.

Sisters arriving home from camp are stunned to learn that their mom has just been diagnosed with breast cancer. Illustrations by the eleven and nine-year-old authors give a child's eye view of the process: the operation, a sling and arm exercises, a sleepy mom, chemotherapy, hair loss, dinners from friends, use of a wheelchair, radiation, and good things that result, including closeness in the family. Good choice to help children grasp the events of treatment; look elsewhere for emotional considerations. <back to top>

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Promises Elizabeth Winthrop. Clarion Books, New York. 2000.

Told in the first person by a six-year-old girl whose mom has cancer, this book does an excellent job of integrating the typical events that occur after diagnosis with the child's emotional reactions. Illustrated by Caldecott Honor book artist Betsy Lewin, it warmly shows the angry, sad, fearful, and happy narrator with her bald mom and loving dad. Perfect for very young children. <back to top>

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Rainbow Feelings of Cancer Carrie and Chia Martin. Hohm Press, Prescott, Arizona. 2001.

Written and illustrated by the ten-year-old daughter of a mom with cancer, this picture book focuses on emotions. Each one or two page spread has a bright picture corresponding to a feeling, such as strong and sturdy, helpless, safe, lonely, and happy. This title will help your child acknowledge and accept the moods and reactions which flow from living in a family affected by cancer. <back to top>

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Sammy's Mommy Has Cancer Sherry Kohlenberg. Gareth Stevens Publishing, Milwaukee, WI. 1994.

Toddler Sammy's mommy has cancer. Very simple, clear text and primary colors illustrations makes this warm story appropriate for younger children. Cancer cells are given a visual description that most children will understand. American Medical Writers Association awarded this 'Best Book of 1994.' <back to top>

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Tickles Tabitha's Cancer-Tankerous Mommy Amelia Frahm. Nutcracker Publishing Company, Hutchinson, MN. 2001.

Bright, stylistic illustrations portray Tickles and her family. Mommy doesn't look sick on the outside as long as she keeps her wig on, but seems grouchy all the time. Use this title when everyone in your family is feeling the stress and strain of treatment; it will provide a note of humor, reassurance, and hope. <back to top>

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What IS Cancer, Anyway? Explaining Cancer to Children of All Ages K.L. Carney. Dragonfly Publishing, Wethersfield, CT. 1998.

An explanation of cancer and treatment appropriate for very young children. Some unique information such as, "will radiation make you radioactive" and "kids do not usually know the answers, ask an adult." Black and white line drawings and blank spaces are designed for coloring in by the child. Highly recommended. <back to top>

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Where's Mom's Hair? A Family Journey through Cancer Debbie Watters. Second Story Press, Toronto. 2005.

Two elementary aged boys react to finding out that their mother is losing her hair by throwing a hair cutting party. Very warm, upbeat, and permission giving about experiencing a range of feelings. Black and white photographs tell the story of baldness and chemo with reality. <back to top>

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