Additional information
by Cathy Barker (Author), Tamar Blaaw (Illustrator)
When someone close to you is dying, children often feel scared, confused, and unsure how to express their emotions. Without gentle guidance, they may hold in their grief and believe it's not okay to talk about what's happening.
In When Someone You Love Has Cancer: Lily and Zach Learn About Grief, Lily, Zach, Felix, and Oscar, with the guidance of Gramma Kate and the courage of Uncle John, learn about the challenges of stage 4 cancer. The story shows how adults can support children through the emotional rollercoaster of illness and loss, and how love and memories endure even in the face of such adversity.
Using the comforting imagery of lighthouses, nature, and shared stories, this heartfelt story is a beacon of hope. It helps children understand cancer and grief in an age-appropriate way, offering reassurance, hope, and a safe space for healing conversations.
When Someone You Love Has Cancer is a gentle and realistic story for children aged 6-12. Ideal for families navigating illness and death, teachers supporting students through grief, and therapists helping children build emotional resilience and understanding.
Social Skill Themes Explored:✅ Understanding what cancer is and what treatment looks like
✅ Talking openly about grief and mixed emotions
✅ Finding comfort in memories and symbols of love
✅ Normalizing sadness, anger, and confusion during illness
✅ Learning resilience when facing sickness and death in the family
