Books with title When Someone is Very Sick

Elfo leads us through this playful yet realistic story of feelings children may experience when confronted with a serious illness in a family member. Elfo tells us about issues related to sickness: how the sick person may look, talk, and act differently and how he or she may now need medicines, tubes and machines. Children often have unexpressed worries, and Elfo encourages the readers to express their feelings and write and talk about their experiences. Included with this book are memory pages and graphics to make get-well cards. (Grades 3-4)

Elfo guides the reader through the difficult circumstances that can arise when a family member has a prolonged illness. Issues addressed realistically in this book include the hospital visit, medicines, fatigue and deteriorating physical appearance. Since children often have concerns they don't know how to express, Elfo demonstrates and validates feelings of sadness, fear, worry, loneliness, and love. Readers are encouraged to talk about their own situation, and suggestions are given for ways young children can help. This is an adaptation of the book When Someone is Very Sick for younger children. (Grades K-2)