Whether it's a cold or something a bit more serious, it's no fun being sick! These books are good company, helping to keep children entertained and informed while they're recovering.
Compiled by:
Children's Services Staff
Picture Books and Younger Elementary
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Sca)
When a young boy gets a cold, he just wants his mommy. But his stuffy nose makes it difficult for him to call out to his mom, not "Bob," who happens to be the family dog. Recommended for ages 3–6.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Sli)
As Mom goes through treatment for cancer, her family supports her with what cancer hates most: love. Recommended for ages 6–9.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Col)
Returning to school after being in the hospital for a while, 6-year-old Erin, whose favorite game is spotting animals in the clouds, finds things much different until she comes to see that by sharing her experience, she can find happiness again in just being herself.
(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 579 Ben)
Min is a microbe. She is small. Very small. In fact, so small that you'd need to look through a microscope to see her. Recommended for ages 6–9.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Yo)
Describes what a young dinosaur should do in order to quickly get over being sick. Recommended for ages 3–6.
(Juvenile Early Readers - J-ER Man)
Sneezing, aching, fever, chills. Yikes! Katie Woo has the flu and must miss school while she is stuck in bed with boring soup and toast. Recommended for ages 6–9.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Dew)
Llama Llama's mother takes good care of him when he has to stay home from school because he's sick. Recommended for ages 3–6.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej She)
When Leila's mother gets sick, lots of things change for her family, but one important thing stays the same—they still have each other, and they know how to find joy and laughter when they need it most. Recommended for ages 5–8.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej App)
A rambunctious puppy finds a home at the Ronald McDonald House, a place that houses sick children and their families while they undergo treatment. Recommended for ages 3–6.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Dan)
When a child wakes up feeling sick, she's treated to a good dose of Mommy Medicine! Recommended for ages 3–6.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Wat)
In this laugh-out-loud picture book, Scaredy Squirrel must put on a brave face for a visit to the vet. Recommended for ages 4–8.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Ste)
Amos McGee, a friendly zookeeper, always made time to visit his good friends. But one day, he woke with the sniffles and sneezes! Recommended for ages 3–6.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Sta)
Some days, Wyatt and his mom have big adventures. Other days, when his mom's multiple sclerosis flares up, they have smaller adventures. Recommended for ages 4–8.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Car)
A sick girl who throws up at school learns that vomiting is sometimes unavoidable and that the sickness—and the embarrassment—will pass. Recommended for ages 3–6.
Older Elementary
(Juvenile Fiction - J Mosier)
11-year-old Echo finds the courage to help her younger sister fight cancer, and in the process, finds the love and support of an entire community. Recommended for ages 9–12.
(Juvenile Fiction - J Gemeinh)
A boy named Mark, tired of being sick with cancer, conceives a plan to climb Mount Rainier, and runs away from home with his dog, Beau. Recommended for ages 9–12.
(Juvenile Fiction - J Youngbl)
11-year-old Georgie is still adjusting to leaving Atlanta for a small town, having a stepfather, and being unable to get close to her stepsister when her 6-year-old sister, Peaches, suddenly becomes very ill. Recommended for ages 9–12.
(Juvenile Fiction - J Khan)
As features editor of her school newspaper, 13-year-old Jameela Pervaiz wants to impress her father by writing a spectacular story about the new student, but a misunderstanding and family illness complicate matters. Recommended for ages 9–12.