This is part 3 in a series of literature reviews for children coping with a parent who has a chronic or serious illness.  See Part 1 and Part 2!

In this post, I will review Why Does Mommy Hurt, Mommy Has to Stay in Bed, When Mommy Is Sick, and When Pete’s Dad Got Sick: A Book about Chronic Illness.

Why Does Mommy Hurt?

Review:

Jimmy’s Mom has fibromyalgia.  Jimmy finds different ways of helping his Mom with her different symptoms like being tired, losing things, and forgetting things.  Jimmy sometimes finds it hard to remember her Mom’s sick because she doesn’t look sick.  This book addresses so many of the difficult symptoms of invisible illness and the challenges a child might face having a parent that is suffering from them.  This book is unique in the topics it addresses.  There is a great need for others addressing the same topics.

Mommy Has To Stay in Bed

Review:

This young girl’s mom is on bedrest for an unspecified reason.  She keeps her mom entertained in bed by reading stories, playing pretend, building bed forts and doing art projects. Her mom lets her get frustrated and angry with the situation.  Her mom also comforts her when she’s afraid to leave her alone when she goes to her grandmother’s house.  Despite missing play dates and waiting for her mom to get better, she is happy to stay by her side.

When Mommy Is Sick

Review:

The young girl in this story has to cope with her Mom who gets sick sometimes and needs to go to the hospital.  Her babysitter, her friend’s mom, and her Dad all help care for her while she’s waiting for her Mom to come home.  In her eyes only her mom knows how to take care of her just right.  She uses a number coping skills like marking off a calendar, making her mom a card, and welcoming her mom back home with a big banner.  This story is very comforting while dealing with the reality ther Mom still needs rest.

When Pete’s Dad Got Sick

Review:

Pete’s Dad used to run and play with him but now he walks with a cane and sometimes uses a wheelchair.  Even though Pete prays that his Dad will get better, he doesn’t.  Pete struggles with anger, frustration, and shame with his Dad’s illness.  Pete’s Dad reassures him that even though he can’t run like he used to that he’ll always be his Dad and can still teach him a few things.

Learn More

Want to see more books about children of parents with a chronic illness? See Part 1 and Part 2 of this series.

Have you read any of these books to a child? Are there others you have read that address this topic? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!