Books For Children
Amos J, Green G, (2002), Separations: Hospital, Cherrytree Press, Slough, UK.
Stories and letters are interspersed with helpful explanations and practical advice to help children understand and cope with the experience of being in hospital. Colour pictures and photographs compliment the book.
Barr R, Cranston L, LeBlanc C, Restivo M, (2001) You and Your Cancer: A child's guide. BC Decker, Hamilton ON, Canada.
An excellent book for older children. Marcus, Heather and Tommy all have cancer, and they guide the reader through their experiences. Plenty of questions are answered, and there are activities such as a word search, maze, colouring in, and spaces for children to personalise sections with their own thoughts and experiences.
Braithwaite A, Spoor N, (1989), I Have Cancer, Dinosaur Publications, London, UK.
A simple, engaging book for young children. Ben tells of his leukaemia, from tests and diagnosis through treatment, and on to recovery and his return to school.
Clarke A, Grimshaw C, (1998), Humpty Dumpty Faces The Future, Changing Faces, London, UK.
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Humpty Dumpty's face was badly scarred when he fell off the wall, causing him to lack confidence in the world around him. However, his fairy Godmother is at hand with some great practiacl advice, helping Humpty to face the future with a happier air. This charming little story is told in poetry, with vibrant pictures throughout.
Clarke A, Aylett K, (1998), Show Time, Changing Faces, London, UK.
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Emma looks different from her friends, but at her school's show-and-tell time, she receives a positive response from classmates, after confidently shares her story with them. This story is told from the perspective of of a classmate, and the setting is one all primary school children will identify with. The pictures are bright and colourful.
Crowe C, Bendell N, Me And My Marrow: A kid's guide to bone marrow transplants. Fujisawa Healthcare, Deerfield IL, USA.
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The brainchild of a young transplant survivor, this is a superb resource for older children. Easy to understand text and fun graphics take the reader through the transplant process, from start to completion and beyond, offering helpful hints and tips to ease the experience. Comments from survivors are woven throughout the pages, and fun illustrations bring the book to life.
Dempsey S, Collins G, (2003), My Brain Tumour Adventures, Jessica Kingsley, London, UK.
The author tells how her son, Owen, used his imagination to cope with treatment for an ependymoma brain tumour. Told for younger children, Owen's experience demonstrates how youngsters can use story-telling to help them feel more comfortable during difficult times.
Chernus-Mansfield N, Horn M, Chernus K, (1991), My Fake Eye: The story of my prosthesis. Institute for Families of Blind Children, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Colour photographs and simple text explain how Brian and Zachary had enucleation (eye-removal) surgery to treat retinoblastoma, and later received new artificial eyes from their ocularist. An excellent book for all children.
NAES, My Pretend Eye. National Artificial Eye Service, Blackpool, UK.
This book is also available from the UK Childhood Eye Cancer Trust.
A simple booklet for children, explaining the process of visiting an ocular prosthetist to be fitted for a new artificial eye.
Palmer S, (1994), Fighting The Big 'C'. CLIC (Cancer & Leukaemia In Childhood), Bristol, UK.
A good book for older children and teenagers, detailing many aspects of cancer and leukaemia. Contains useful advice, hints and tips, using clear, concise language and simple line drawings.
Trillin A, Koren E, (1996), Dear Bruno. The New Press, New York NY, USA.
A wonderful, ingeniously simple book, borne out of a letter from the author to a boy receiving treatment for cancer. In the letter, she tells of her own experience of lung cancer, sharing her feelings about the process of being cured, and offering sensible advice to her young friend. Fun illustrations reflect the gentle humour and no-nonsense practical approach of the letter. Superb. |
