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The web Directory of Information Materials for People Affected by Cancer is regularly updated and currently has details of over 1,900 booklets, leaflets, books and audiovisual materials for people affected by cancer. Most have been published in the last five years but we have included some older ones that are still useful.
Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group
A colourful booklet for young children who are preparing to donate bone marrow. It explains what bone marrow is and describes what happens to Jess in hospital before, during and after the operation and when she goes home.
CLIC Sargent|Lymphoma Action
Tom is ten years old when he is diagnosed with lymphoma. This illustrated, colour storybook for parents to read with their children describes what happens when he has to go to the hospital for tests and treatment. The story follows Tom from when he first feels ill, through diagnosis and treatment, to recovery and return to normal life.
CLIC Sargent
This booklet, written with the help of young people living with cancer, aims to answers questions that young people with cancer may have. It covers topics such as making sense of it all, hospital life, family and friends, education, work and finances, and sources of support.
Macmillan Cancer Support
A booklet for young people aged 12-25 years. It aims to help answer some of their questions and to provide tips and guidance. It explains what cancer is and how it can be treated. It also gives practical tips about coping with treatment, relationships and sorting out practical things like school, university, work, and money.
Graffeg Limited
There's only one dad quite like me. I wish that there were two. I'd have more time to spend And I would spend it all with you. Most of us can't imagine having the time we spend with our children or loved ones cut short, but this is the reality being faced by mother of two Lisa Wells, who was diagnosed with terminal bowel and liver cancer in December 2017, at the age of 31. The Only One of Me project grew from Lisa's determination to leave a lasting legacy for her daughters and her desire to help other families rally against the difficulties of loss. Only One of Me is the product of Lisa's lifelong love of writing and a newfound friendship with award-winning children's author Michelle Robinson. The two collaborated on this tender and moving rhyming poem, with charming illustrations by Tim Budgen, which is both a love letter to Lisa's own daughters and a testament to the unwavering strength of parental love, a timeless message for families facing the challenges of bereavement. (Publisher)
Graffeg Limited
'There's only one mum quite like me. I wish that there were two. I'd have more time to spend And I would spend it all with you.' Most of us can't imagine having the time we spend with our children or loved ones cut short, but this is the reality being faced by mother of two Lisa Wells, who was diagnosed with terminal bowel and liver cancer in December 2017 at the age of 31. The Only One of Me project grew from Lisa's determination to leave a lasting legacy for her daughters and her desire to help other families rally against the difficulties of loss. Only One of Me is the product of Lisa's lifelong love of writing and a newfound friendship with award-winning children's author Michelle Robinson. The two collaborated on this tender and moving rhyming poem, with charming illustrations by Catalina Echeverri, which is both a love letter to Lisa's own daughters and a testament to the unwavering strength of parental love, a timeless message for families facing the challenges of bereavement. (Publisher)
Graffeg Limited
The Pond is a touching picture book about a young boy, and his family, overcoming the loss of his father. This colourful, emotional book is filled with natural imagery, and will teach children not only about death and loss, but the importance of the natural world. From Nicola Davies and Cathy Fisher, the duo behind the beautiful children’s book Perfect. (Publisher)
Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
A moving, lyrical picture book about a young girl's love for her granddad and how she copes when he dies, written by poet and playwright Joseph Coelho. This beautifully illustrated, powerful and ultimately uplifting text is the ideal way to introduce children to the concept of death and dying, particularly children who have lost a grandparent. (Publisher)
North Staffordshire Press
My Daddy Is My Superhero was inspired by Michaelagh's own experience of explaining her husband's brain tumour illness to her eldest son, and is intended to help begin conversations surrounding serious illness and death with young children. At its core, My Daddy Is My Superhero is about the loving relationship between a little boy and his dad. It is a story about love, fun, beauty, loss, sadness, memories and celebration. (Publisher)
Booklife Publishing
Cancer is a group of diseases in which abnormal cells divide and spread. There are many different kinds of cancer, and different forms of treatment. Cancer is very scary, and can be very difficult to handle physically, emotionally, and mentally. Learning about how cancer affects the body and how it can be treated can help readers who know someone with cancer, or who have cancer themselves. This book can help readers understand complex medical terms and processes through straightforward text. Full-color photographs and fact boxes highlight important information. (Publisher)
A Spark In The Sand
Ceara Hayden's book The Boobies is a lighthearted and informative story about breast cancer. Her quirky and witty rhymes convey this serious disease in a way that is accessible to young adults and grown-ups alike. Based on her own experience of her mother's diagnosis, Ceara's story brings warmth, hope (and a little humour) for those suffering or watching a loved one suffer from this devastating illness. All profits from this book will be donated to the breast cancer awareness charity CoppaFeel. (Publisher)
Lemon Drop Books
This is a story about loss, friendship and hope. The Magical Wood is set in a beautiful wood with a river wandering through. One cold and stormy day, the wind blew a terrible gale. The next day the tree family woke to find that Strongest Tree had fallen to the woodland floor and had sadly died. How would the tree family survive the seasons without the strength of Strongest Tree? Throughout each season the tree family are visited by a new animal, offering advice and support to the trees. (Publisher)
HarperCollins
Twelve-year-old El has planned on making her first week at a new school fantastic. She won’t go by her given name, Laughter. She’ll sit in the back of the classroom where she can make new friends. She won’t even have time to think about all the fun her old friends are having without her. Everything will be great. But when her dad picks her up after school and tells her that her younger sister, Echo, has a life-threatening illness, her world is suddenly turned upside down. And with her parents now pressed for time and money, El feels lost and powerless. Then she befriends Octavius, the only other kid in school who gets what she’s going through. As El begins to adjust to her new life, she soon finds that maybe a little hope and a lot of love can overcome any obstacle. (Publishers)
Hashtag Press
Elsie and Daisy are best friends. They go to a special school, a school where the children have helpers and some of the children use wheels to get around. Elsie waits at the classroom door for her best friend to arrive every day. One day Daisy doesn’t arrive in school. All the grown-ups are crying; they are sad because Daisy has died. Elsie will never see her friend again. Elsie isn’t sad though, she is cross with her friend for not saying goodbye. Goodbye Daisy is based on Stephanie Nimmo’s own experiences of explaining to her daughter Daisy’s friends that Daisy had died. Aimed mainly at children with profound learning disabilities it is also a heart-warming social story and support guide about the death of a school friend that will support help parents, carers and professionals support a child through their loss and grief. (Publisher)
Bone Cancer Research Trust
This booklet for children and young people explains what cancer is, and describes the different types of bone cancer and how osteosarcoma is treated. It also covers topics such as body image and what happens after treatment. Includes a glossary of medical terms.
Bone Cancer Research Trust
This booklet for children and young people explains what cancer is, and describes the different types of bone cancer and how Ewing sarcoma is treated. It also covers topics such as body image and what happens after treatment. Includes a glossary of medical terms.
Bone Cancer Research Trust
Harry has an Operation is written for parents, carers and healthcare professionals to read with children in order to help them understand their sarcoma and its treatment. It has been produced especially for young patients who require limb-sparing surgery or amputation.
Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group
Veno-occlusive disease (VOD) is one of the less common but serious complications that can occur during stem cell transplant (SCT). VOD is a complication that affects the liver. This factsheet has been produced to help you understand more about VOD. It explains what VOD is and why it happens, how it is diagnosed, its impact, and how it is treated.
Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group
This factsheet is written for young people with cancer, or parents of a child with cancer, who are receiving total body irradiation (TBI), as part of their conditioning therapy for a stem cell transplant (SCT). It explains TBI, including where you will have your radiotherapy, how the radiotherapy will be given and the side effects that may happen.
Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group
Graft versus host disease (GvHD) is a complication of donor (allogeneic) stem cell transplantation (SCT), in which the cells from the stem cell donor (graft) react to the cells in the patient (host). This factsheet has been written to help you to understand how GvHD may affect you/your child and what possible treatments there are. The factsheet will complement the information given by the nurses and doctors who make up your stem cell transplant (SCT) team. They will be able to give you information specific to you, and will always be very happy to answer any questions you might have.
Anthony Nolan
This booklet has been designed to provide teenagers and young adults with the information and support needed at every stage of the stem cell transplant journey. It will cover all aspects, from how a donor is found, right the way through to coping with long term side effects and helping you return to education or work.
Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group
This illustrated booklet is for children who need a stem cell transplant. Using the story of Ben it explains what stem cells are, what the treatment involves, what happens in hospital and going home.
Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group
Illustrated, colour booklet for children following the story of Will, who has radiotherapy to his brain, and Sophie, who has radiotherapy to her stomach.
Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group
An illustrated, colour booklet for children who are having a stem cell transplant. It describes the bone marrow, the stem cell nurses, the harvest machine, and what happens on the day that the cells are harvested and on the day that they are returned.
CLIC Sargent
Joe is diagnosed with leukaemia in his first year at school. This illustrated, colour storybook describes what happens when Joe has to go into hospital for tests. The story follows Joe from first feeling ill, through diagnosis and treatment, to recovery and returning to normal life.
CLIC Sargent
Lucy is five years old when she is diagnosed with cancer. This illustrated, colour storybook describes what happens when she has to go to the hospital for tests and treatment. The story follows Lucy from first feeling ill, through diagnosis and treatment, to recovery and returning to normal life.
CLIC Sargent
This factsheet for children and young people aged 13 and over who have a friend with cancer addresses common concerns about cancer and its treatment. Now included in the "Cancer and school life" pack and can be downloaded as part of the pack.
CLIC Sargent
Mary is five years old when she is diagnosed with a brain tumour. This illustrated, colour storybook describes what happens when she has to go to the hospital for tests and treatment. The story follows Mary from first feeling ill, through diagnosis and treatment, to recovery and return to normal life.
CLIC Sargent
Joe is diagnosed with leukaemia in his first year at school. This illustrated, colour storybook describes what happens when Joe has to go into hospital for tests. The story follows Joe from first feeling ill, through diagnosis and treatment, to recovery and returning to normal life.
Macmillan Cancer Support
Booklet for young people aged under 18 who are looking after someone who has cancer. It has been written by young people who have been through the experience and covers some of the practical issues young carers may face.
CLIC Sargent
Lucy is five years old when she is diagnosed with cancer. This illustrated, colour storybook describes what happens when she has to go to the hospital for tests and treatment. The story follows Lucy from first feeling ill, through diagnosis and treatment, to recovery and returning to normal life.
CLIC Sargent
Mary is five years old when she is diagnosed with a brain tumour. This illustrated, colour storybook describes what happens when she has to go to the hospital for tests and treatment. The story follows Mary from first feeling ill, through diagnosis and treatment, to recovery and return to normal life.
Pomelo Pip
Benny’s Hat follows Friz’s story from when she first learns of her brother’s illness, right through to his death and beyond. With its realistic but hopeful and gentle tone, readers will see that it is normal to feel a whole range of emotions –sad, worried, confused, angry and happy, even during the darkest of times. (Publisher)
Dial Books for Young Readers
Author Jessica Reid Sliwerski was diagnosed with breast cancer four months after giving birth to her daughter. And through all the stages of treatment--surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, losing her hair--she thought about how hard it would be to talk to your child about cancer while coping with it. She wrote this picture book to give other parents and their children an encouraging tool for having those conversations--a lovingly upbeat book that is also refreshingly authentic and straightforward. With its simple text and heartwarming illustrations, Cancer Hates Kisses is relatable to any type of cancer. (Publisher)
Franklin Watts
This picture book uses the first-person testimony of Naomi, a 10-year-old girl with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Naomi explains what it was like to find out she had cancer, when she lost all her hair and what it was like spending so much time in hospital. The intimate and direct impact of using Naomi’s real first-person testimony encourages children to empathise with her situation, and to understand how some children’s lives are very different from their own. Naomi talks about school, family, friends and explains the confusion and chaos caused by cancer. This BAFTA award-winning story was originally produced as an animation for the BBC. Aimed at children aged 9 and up. (Publisher)
Sarah West
Mummy’s Got a Poorly is an engaging, thought-provoking story, told through the eyes of a five-year-old girl whose mummy is unwell. It is aimed at the young children of parents with a serious illness to support them through a difficult time. Whilst not mentioning the ‘C’ word it does cover the effects that medicine such as chemotherapy can have and also provides lots of opportunities for children to ask questions and discuss their feelings about their own parent’s illness. (Publisher)
North Staffordshire Press
Flo has two of the most fun and competitive grandads in the world who can never resist the chance to get one over on the other. That is until Flo is faced with some devastating news when one of her grandads is diagnosed with a serious illness. Although her world is turned upside down, Flo continues to be inspired by her grandad whose sheer will, determination and positive attitude will not be diminished no matter what. So join Flo as she embarks on an emotional roller coaster as she laughs, cries, makes new friends and discovers what it truly means to never, ever give up. The Grandad Grand Prix is a fictional story inspired by true events and a must read for all age groups. (Publisher)
Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Snibbles and Big Tree are best friends! They have always hung out together, and Snibbles loves Big Tree very much. When Big Tree unexpectedly falls ill with woodworm, Snibbles is very upset and angry. The illness is a very bad one and Big Tree does not feel well and doesn't want to play for a long time. Poor Snibbles! He wants Big Tree to get better, but he feels as if there is nothing he can do. What can Snibbles and his friends do to help Big Tree through his treatment and recovery? This beautifully illustrated storybook describes the anger and emotion that many children encounter when a close relative or friend is diagnosed with a long-term illness, such as cancer. The story of Big Tree depicts how things are often out of your control and sets out effective strategies for dealing with these emotions. This story features loveable characters and vivid illustrations, as well as activities for children aged 5+ to complete with their parents or professionals in times of illness and loss. (Publisher)
Anthony Nolan
Lucy's dad is diagnosed with leukaemia and has a stem cell transplant. Lucy tells you all about it in this colourful, illustrated booklet.
Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group
Information about the health of a single kidney after treatment for childhood cancer. Written to accompany the CCLG booklet "Aftercure: A guide for teenage and young adult survivors of childhood cancer".
Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group
This factsheet gives an overview of breast cancer risk after treatment for childhood cancer. Written to accompany the CCLG booklet "Aftercure: A guide for teenage and young adult survivors of childhood cancer".
Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group
Information about the health of your lungs after treatment for childhood cancer. Written to accompany the CCLG booklet "Aftercure: A guide for teenage and young adult survivors of childhood cancer".
Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group
Information for teenagers and young adults about research and clinical trials.
Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group
This factsheet is about the health of your heart after treatment for childhood cancer. Written to accompany the CCLG booklet "Aftercure: A guide for teenage and young adult survivors of childhood cancer".
Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group
Information about osteonecrosis (or avascular necrosis) and the health of your bones after treatment for childhood cancer. Written to accompany the CCLG booklet "Aftercure: A guide for teenage and young adult survivors of childhood cancer".
Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group
Information about osteoporosis and the health of your bones after treatment for childhood cancer. Written to accompany the CCLG booklet "Aftercure: A guide for teenage and young adult survivors of childhood cancer".
Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group
This factsheet gives an overview of the potential late effects of bleomycin treatment for childhood cancer. Written to accompany the CCLG booklet "Aftercure: A guide for teenage and young adult survivors of childhood cancer".
Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group
Information about osteoradionecrosis and the health of your bones after radiotherapy treatment for childhood cancer. Written to accompany the CCLG booklet "Aftercure: A guide for teenage and young adult survivors of childhood cancer".
Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group
Healthy lifestyle advice for childhood cancer survivors. Written to accompany the CCLG booklet "Aftercure: A guide for teenage and young adult survivors of childhood cancer".
Self-published using CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
It is very difficult for a family to explain to a child what cancer is when a loved one has been diagnosed. This book explains to children what cancer is.
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