Interactive Holiday Books (for the hospital, clinic, or anywhere)
* This image uses the old name for the ‘Is There a Book for That?’ blog/book list.
One stressful thing about working in the child life department over the holidays is that everyone wants something. Every department wants to spread a little holiday cheer - even if they don't typical utilize child life services. The books I am recommending this week are the perfect fit for every area of the hospital - they inject a little silly and a little play into a stressful day and put smiles on kids faces. Their also great for classrooms and as small holiday gifts.
In case you missed it, I have also shared some holiday books with health or loss focus. Go to the blog enteries from December 17 and November 26 for those recommendations.
I have added links to many of the blog entries. I do make a small commission if you purchase through the link, but no extra cost for you. Thanks for supporting my time and effort to provide an updated list that parents and hospital staff can use to find the well-written inclusive resources they are looking for. Next week, I will return to more medically focused books.
Merry Christmas to those who celebrate. I hope everyone found some peace and light in their Hanukkah celebrations and may the Winter Solstice remind us of all the hope and light our world posseses.
May these recommendations inspire some holiday fun:
I Spy Christmas by Jean Marzallo and Walter Wick
As a former hospital child life specialist, this is what I call a classic. I have used this ISpy book for many IV starts and many rounds of stitches, giving the child something to focus on during their procedure. This form of ISpy can be engaging for children and adults and be a good change of pace if your holiday includes more lying around in bed then you are used to. I recommend it for every hospital, clinic, or bedroom shelf. Not good for car rides - if you have car sick kids like I do! 🙂 Great for ages 4-14, but be prepared to help for young children.
https://amzn.to/4j3RRYH
Mad Libs
Not feeling good or stuck in the hospital this holiday season? MadLibs are such a silly way for 1st graders through 7th graders to fill some time. With all the talk of nouns and adverbs, maybe they can even convince their parents or teacher it counts as homework. Just another fun edition for people looking for hospital gifts or wanting to donate some fun to the playroom.
Hanukkah: https://amzn.to/3Y1rkkX
Christmas: https://amzn.to/4j8Aki2
Winter Games (get ready for the Olympics!): https://amzn.to/3KO9P4H
Christmas Carols (could be fun for all my Music Therapists out there!): https://amzn.to/4ah3pFv
Where’s Santa? By Bryony Jones
Similar to a Where’s Waldo book, this book has several pages of look and find fun. Find Santa and his 10 elves. Make it a race or work on giving clues to each other.
https://amzn.to/44wXPeq
Would You Rather? By Lindsey Daly
A fun discussion starter. Kids can use these to start conversations and find fun in every situation. In the hospital? Make your nurse answer one every time she comes in. Stuck at home? Text friends or families to start up some fun. Unable to run, jump, and play this year? Find some fun in a different way. These questions can also sometimes turn into real conversations that explore how people think and how kids understand the world. Great for young elementary students all the way through high school.
Christmas: https://amzn.to/4s1CF27
Winter: https://amzn.to/458AkZp
Hanukkah: https://amzn.to/3MPmt3Q
Best Kids’ Christmas Jokes Ever! & Best Kids’ Hanukkah Jokes Ever! By Highlights
These books are another way for kids to interact in a playful way. Build fun into the quiet moments or even the dreaded moments(before and after medicine, dressing change, etc.)
Each book has over 500, so your child will have many to choose from. These seem great for 4-9 year olds.
Christmas: https://amzn.to/3N7amiE
Hanukkah: https://amzn.to/4qiTi7W
