Healing books

Some conditions and diseases can be hard for children to understand. The experts at Hamilton Health Sciences Hospital have put together a list of books to make talking about certain health topics a little easier.

Here is a sample of their picks.

Hi My Name is Jack

by Christina Beall-Sullivan

Recommended by Nate Seroski, child life specialist, McMaster Children’s Hospital:

This book focuses on siblings of children who have a chronic illness and addresses the range of emotions that siblings feel when their brother or sister is sick. Ages 3 to 12

Franklin Goes to the Hospital

by Paulette Bourgeois and Brenda Clark

Recommended by Nate Seroski, child life specialist, McMaster Children’s Hospital:

This book tells the story of when Franklin breaks his shell and has to go to the hospital. It is a good resource as it covers many of the thoughts, feelings, and experiences kids have when they come for surgery.

We Were Gonna Have a Baby but We Had an Angel Instead

by Pat Schwiebert

Recommended by Heidi Tigchelaar, social worker, women’s reproductive health and newborn care:

This book is told from a young child’s perspective and can help children process their grief over the loss of a young sibling.

Coco and Goofy’s Goofy Day

by Disney and Lilly Diabetes

Recommended by Heather McKean, child life specialist, McMaster Children’s Hospital:

This book shows Coco, who has type 1 diabetes, going to a birthday party and still having a slice of cake like everyone else. It normalizes the diagnosis of diabetes and is an easy read for children.