Books for the Hospital Featuring Dads
* This image shows the old name of the ‘Is There a Book for That?’ blog/book list.
Let me start by saying that I thought this week's Father theme would be super easy... and boy, was I wrong. If anyone is wondering if they should write a book about a father's illness or handicap, do it because there aren't a lot out there. Plus, some of the good ones I did find are no longer in print!
Anyway, after some extensive searcing and vetoing many of the options I did find some books about dads that I would suggest for hospital libraries or staff. My highlight might have been the book about anticipatory loss and then the loss of a father from cancer. I know a lot of people out there who have been looking for such a book, and I was excited to find it. You also might be surprised to see the last title, but as a child life specialist, I know how important it can be to bring fun into the hospital. It is sure to bring a laugh and maybe a way for a dad and child to share a giggle.
A Day with Parkinson’s by A. Hutchinson
This book tells the story of a boy who lives with his mom and his grandfather, who has Parkinson's. They are spending the day at the beach. The book highlights some of the limits that his grandfather has and the things he does to take care of himself. When he can’t do some of the things that they used to do together, the grandfather suggests other fun things. The grandfather also explains Parkinson’s in easy to understand language. This book would be great for any child who has a loved one with Parkinson’s. I would say it would be appropriate for preschool through middle elementary.
https://amzn.to/4lBO2uJ
Flamingo Dream by Donna Jo Napoli
This book tells the story of a dad who has cancer and who dies. Before he dies, he and his son go on a trip to Florida so he can show his son many of his favorite things. The trip is good for both of them. After the trip, his cancer starts to get worse and he dies in the hospital. The book does a nice job talking about his experience from a child’s perspective. It uses simple honest words while also talking about the things the boy thinks and wishes. The book then talks about the months after the dad dies. The ways the boy remembers his dad and some of the feelings he feels. A personal favorite for me- at the end of the book it talks about how the dad made the boy a book of photos and how the boy then makes a collage book himself. (both styles of books connect perfectly with my Legacy Book templates and work books). This book is specifically appropriate for families anticipating a death or who have experienced a death. The book would be good for elementary school age, even into middle school.
https://amzn.to/4bCJT5v
Why is Dad So Mad? By Seth Kastle
While the illustrations in this book are lions, the book gives a very real depiction of what it is like for families who have a dad who struggles with anger after deployment. It talks about the many things that can trigger dad’s anger, but that he still loves his family. This realness could help kids feel seen and less alone in their experience, but it would be confusing and could be upsetting for children who haven’t had this experience. This book should be read with a loved one who can support children and help them build an understanding.
https://amzn.to/4lyILEh
The Night My Dad Went to Jail by Melissa Higgins and Wednesday Kirwan
This book tells the story of a rabbit who is with her siblings and her dad one night when the police come to arrest him. It talks about what happened when they came, questions she had after, ways her peers behaved, and visiting her dad in jail. This book could be very helpful for children who experience this. Sometimes kids in the hospital have recently gone through an experience involving arrests and this book could be helpful in supporting the family. Good for preschool-middle elementary.
https://amzn.to/41bv7xt
Dad’s Runaway Butt by Dawn McMillan
This book is pure silliness. If you are trying to bring a smile to a kid’s face, this could be the perfect way. It is a ridiculous story about a dad’s butt exploding off his body and running away. Spoiler Alert: After lots of ridiculous happenings, they find the butt and reattach. If a family has been going through a lot of serious stuff, this could be a fun way to get silly. Good for preschool through elementary.
https://amzn.to/4sq4L7e
