Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of parenthood with chronic illness is helping your children understand what is going on with your body and encouraging acceptance about how your illness may impact them. How can you help them develop empathy about what you’re experiencing, especially if your illness is invisible? Where’s the line between being honest and making them worry? What’s the best way to address their concerns in kid-friendly language? This is a topic that will likely need to be an ongoing discussion in your family – and sometimes reading a book together can help!
Kenzie’s Little Tree
by Alison McGauley
Mariah Leach received a digital advance reading copy of this book from the author. She was not compensated for this review and all opinions are her own.
“Kenzie’s Little Tree” by Alison McGauley is a beautifully illustrated picture book about a little girl whose mom lives with a chronic illness. With whimsical, poetic language, it tells the story of Kenzie and her family as they enjoy each of the seasons of the year together.
In summer, Kenzie chooses a little tree for her family to plant in their backyard. The tree isn’t perfect, but Kenzie loves it and the family has fun planting it together. Kenzie promises to always take care of her little tree.
In the fall, the family enjoys picking pumpkins and apples, but then Mom has to go to the hospital. As the leaves fall from her little tree, Kenzie realizes that her mom’s pain never disappears forever.
In the winter, Kenzie’s family plays outside in the snow, but also has fun making forts inside when Mom needs to rest. Kenzie worries about her mom when she has to go back to the hospital. And when a storm swirls outside, Kenzie is anxious that she’s broken her promise to keep her little tree safe.
In the spring, the family enjoys being scientists outdoors and Kenzie’s little tree blossoms beautifully. Kenzie realizes that her little tree is full of hope and stronger than it looks – and so is her mom, and so is she!
The story doesn’t specifically name Mom’s chronic illness, instead mentioning symptoms – like pain and exhaustion – that are familiar across many different diagnoses, making the book a useful tool for explaining chronic illness to children in variety of situations. It also doesn’t shy away from the struggles that can exist for kids in these stressful circumstances – worry, anxiety, extra fights between siblings, and feeling lonely when mom is in the hospital. This honest portrayal of struggles and how to overcome them could be very validating for children in similar situations.
Overall, “Kenzie’s Little Tree” paints a beautiful picture of love and hope for families facing chronic illness together. The book is available for pre-order now, and will be released on March 11, 2025.
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