Because there are only a few books available that specifically feature a parent who lives with a chronic illness, we’re branching out to books that focus on other types of illness, books that focus on children with illness, and books that talk about feelings. Hopefully these reviews will help you determine whether any of these books might be helpful for your family as you continue your discussions about having a parent with a chronic illness.
How Do You Care for a Very Sick Bear
by Vanessa Bayer
Amanda Matoic received a copy of this book as a gift from Mamas Facing Forward. She was not compensated for this review and all opinions are her own.
“How Do You Care For A Very Sick Bear” is a down to earth, easy, and reader friendly book. It is a great way for 4-7 year olds to learn a small bit about illness in a friend or family member. We enjoyed the occasional rhyming verses as well as the technology-free illustrations; even when Bear is sick and stuck at home, she isn’t sitting in front of the television or tablet.
The book shows different ways to care for your friend. Even when you are small, there is still something you can do to put a smile on your friends face. I really liked that Bear’s friend got her classmates involved by making cards to send to cheer up a friend.
I also enjoyed the Authors’ note a the end of the book, as well as the overall message the book is spreading. The illness of Bear is not directly mentioned, besides the author mentioning hair loss, so the illness is generalized and therefore the reader could relate this book to a great many sicknesses or illnesses.
“How Do You Care For A Very Sick Bear” very open-ended, so parents and their children could really turn this book into a discussion catered to them. For my child and myself, we talked about how sickness can make someone look different, like the book mentions Bear losing her hair, as well as how to spread cheer to a sick friend when she is feeling up to it. I was happy that the book specified that there are times where your friend will not be up to playing and that is OK. This is a great first book from author, Vanessa Bayer!
📚📚Want to purchase your own copy of “How Do You Care For A Very Sick Bear”? 📚📚Please use our Amazon Affiliates link by clicking here! Mamas Facing Forward may receive commission at no extra cost to you. Those funds will go towards providing more resources for moms and moms-to-be living with chronic illness, so thanks for using our links!
