Children's Books that Support Kids in the Hospital
As I collected titles for this topic, the child life specialist in me grew frustrated. I have gone through SO many books and SO many of those books ended up not being on the list. Unfortunately, many of the books available about this topic are dated. Wards of children staying together in one big room, parents having to leave, big confusing descriptions, telling one child’s story that doesn’t apply to most others… I could go on and on. I plan on continuing my search, as often the newest books can be hard to find, and feel free to recommend some to me! I will also acknowledge that some books with dated information could still support families that have the ability to clarify this information with their child, and I may include a couple with some fitting warnings in the future.
Anyway, to get things started, here are some books I think could be helpful on every inpatient unit…
My Hospital Adventure by Laura Camerona
Full disclosure - I wrote this book. This book was written in collaboration with the Child Life Specialist at Blank Children’s Hospital. It was created to be appropriate no matter the reason for admission. The book has a simple text that explains common childhood questions and common stressors. In addition, the bottom of each page has additional information and activities to support the whole family. The book ends with an index that helps explain parts of the body and common diagnostic scans, recommended coping strategies, and more activities that encourage self expression. (good for a range of ages)
https://amzn.to/494UMN9
Cloud Babies: Sometimes All We Need to Do Is Look Up by Eion Colfer
Fun story about how a young girl connects with people at the hospital by finding animals in the clouds. Talks about how hard it can be to split your time at the hospital and at home. In the end, the girl mixes both worlds by having her class visit the hospital and finding cloud animals together - important topics. The end could be a little confusing as often times school classes can not visit the hospital. (good for school age kids)
https://amzn.to/4iWHYfm
Nurses and What They Do by Liesbet Slegers
This book mostly talks about the role of an inpatient nurses, including helping kids with pain medicine and taking care of a boy with a fever. The book covers things a child in a hospital might witness like rounds and a call light. Simply written. It could help young school age children better understand the hospital environment. (good for young children toddler - early elementary)
https://amzn.to/4iQsVnj
You Wouldn’t Want to Live Without Nurses! By Fiona Macdonald
For curious kids who have been surrounded by nurses for days, this book could give them different insights into the profession. Quirky history facts. Explanations of what makes a good nurse and different types of nursing jobs. Would be a great book for a kid who wants to be a nurse some day. Best for older kids (age 8+) this book might be something you only read a few pages at a time. (good for upper elementary)
https://amzn.to/48udopG
Use Your Voice by Alice Paul Tapper
This book tells the story of a girl who is in the hospital and dealing with pain. She is essentially misdiagnosed. It talks about how the girl uses her words to keep telling the medical staff how she is feeling until someone listens and discovers she has something more serious going on. I love that it talks about advocating for yourself and that it talks about pain. I do wonder if the story may not help every situation and may encourage families to not trust an initial diagnosis. Of course, the right medical staff could help families understand how they know the diagnosis is correct - I love a book that promotes calm honest conversations, just be mindful about the situations you use it in.
(good for middle to upper elementary)
https://amzn.to/44iEIon
