Illness and disability
What Happens Next? by
Wendy Lyons and Tricia Irving Hendry
Price: $
11.90
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This is a very practical, supportive and informative handbook for parents, carers and other family members who are looking after and supporting a teenager or young adult with a serious mental illness. Parents and family members regularly feel not only overwhelmed by their child’s situation and its consequences, but frustrated that information to help them manage whatever comes next is very hard to find. This makes their journey extra difficult.
What Happens Next? has been co-written by two Wellington parents who have supported their young adult children through mental health challenges. Wendy Lyons found her daughter’s illness thrust her, her husband and her family into intense and traumatic times. Suddenly left caring for a child whose condition was high risk, often scary and unpredictable, Wendy couldn’t believe the lack of information available. She linked with a range of other parents and began to gather their experiences and input for a handbook that others could use. Linking up with the experience of Skylight’s Tricia Irving Hendry, and using Skylight’s expertise and AXA Hearts in Action funding, this new handbook is now made available to support, encourage and inform others in this unique and demanding situation.
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Rain, Hail or Shine: Exploring Change, Loss and Grief in a Carer’s World by
Tricia Irving - Skylight, NZ
Price: $
12.00
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Aimed specifically at carers, this book talks honestly and openly about the kinds of changes, losses and grief—often unacknowledged—that carers can experience and that can affect their emotions, their physical health, mental wellbeing and family life. It contains comments from carers right across New Zealand. They talk about their own grief journeys, and about what has brought them—or is still bringing them—through. A wonderful companion for your journey as a carer and to encourage you to explore your personal experience of loss and grief in your own way, and in your own time.
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Wishing Wellness—A Workbook for Children of Parents with Mental Illness by
Lisa Anne Clarke, USA
Price: $
38.50
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A workbook for children (6 - 12yrs) who have a parent with a serious mental health condition or disorder. It helps them to gradually process their thoughts, feelings and experiences of it, while learning more about their parent's illness. Innovative, fun exercises are included to teach self-coping, confidence, self-esteem, stress management and play skills. It is also an excellent therapeutic tool for professionals. It covers topics such as how the brain works, causes, symptoms and treatment of mental illness, how families can help, how to manage strong feelings, coping with stigma and ways to build a circle of support.
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Oh Brother! Growing Up With a Special Needs Sibling by
Natalie Hale, illustrated by Kate Sternberg, USA $22.90
Price: $
25.00
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Being the brother or sister of a child with special needs has special challenges. Becca has some great ideas for dealing with them—after she accepts that she can't send her brother Jonathan to another planet! Becca discusses finding the right kind of friends, getting quality time with parents, caring about a special needs sibling without becoming another parent, and much more. Told with both humour and honesty, Becca's story—and her kid-tested solutions—are an inspiration to families everywhere. For ages 8–13.
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Oodles of Doodles - for children ill or in hospital by
By Art with Heart (USA)
Price: $
40.00
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This is a unique and engaging activity book that offers children who are ill in hospital (ages 6-16) therapeutic distraction, a meaningful way to express their fears and concerns, as well as stress relief and encouragement. This book helped over thousands of children around the world find hope in the midst of health crises, turning a difficult time into what it should be…a childhood. Skylight has now made it available for the first time in NZ.
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Magnificent Marvellous Me - for siblings by
By Art with Heart (USA)
Price: $
37.60
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This dynamic activity book helps meet the emotional needs of siblings (ages 5 – 10) of children with a serious illness or disability, or other difficulties. It was designed to decrease their sense of isolation, increase their self-esteem and communication, give siblings a safe place to explore and work through their complex feelings and to help build resiliency and coping skills. This meaningful resource helps children who are siblings of an ill or disabled child express the myriad of conflicting emotions such as resentment, fear, guilt, embarrassment and sorrow. Skylight has now made it available for the first time in NZ.
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Extreme Parenting – Parenting Your Child with a Chronic Illness by
Sharon Dempsey (UK)
Price: $
42.00
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Parents of children with chronic illnesses experience ‘extreme parenting’. This book is a guide and a source of support for parents of children with long-term illnesses. Sharon Dempsey argues that, by helping parents to cope with their child’s condition, we are ultimately helping the child and that parents are better able to live a full, enjoyable life if they have an awareness of strategies and knowledge to cope with the difficulties of dealing with their child with a chronic illness. The guide is packed with practical advice, models of exploration and lists of action points and will empower parents to be good advocates for their children. It will also provide health professionals with invaluable insights into the demands of living with chronic illness.
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How To Help Children Through A Parent's Serious Illness by
Kathleen McCue (USA)
Price: $
36.00
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This practical handbook helps and prepares parents to be able to talk with their children about their fears and concerns with honest and empathy. It offers very detailed guidelines. Clearly written and richly researched, it is a true how-to manual, exploring different examples and offering step-by-step advice. It’s also sensitive to the needs of different age groups, family scenarios and types of illness.
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Why Are You So Sad? by
Beth Andrews and Nicole Wong, USA
Price: $
24.90
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When a parent has depression, children can often feel sad and confused themselves. This interactive book helps by explaining depression, reassuring them their parent can get better with help and support from others, exploring feelings the children may have, giving practical tips and encouraging them that they too can find ways to feel better. Includes a note for parents. Bright, colourful, friendly illustrations. For children 3–8.
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What About Me? When Brothers And Sisters Get Sick by
Allan Peterkin
Price: $
22.00
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What about me? This question, usually unspoken, lies at the heart of this poignant story as a young girl attempts to cope with her brother being ill. Beautifully written and illustrated, this story deals with the many complicated feelings the well child experiences in such a situation: guilt about having somehow caused the illness, fear that the sibling will die, anger over being left out, anxiety about catching the sickness and longing for life to return to the way it was. The story will allow parents and their well children to take some time out for one another and to forge a renewed sense of family.
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Sucking on the Lemon of Life by
Presbyterian Support East Coast (NZ)
Price: $
25.00
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“Bad things happen in life. Sometimes it feels like more than you can bear. This book is from some of us who have had to deal with disease and disability, experiencing pain through our journeys of life. This is our collective hard-earned wisdom on how to survive the tough times. We wanted to share with you what has worked for us, and hope that our thoughts and experiences help you move forward. Please do not think that this book is not for you, if you do not have a neurological condition. This book is for everyone. It doesn’t matter if you have a physical or mental illness, or no illness at all. The emotional pain is the same for all human beings who experience devastating changes in their lives, whatever they may be. We hope our commentaries resonate to all.”
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Amanda’s Rainbow by
Beverley Hillstrom, Canada
Price: $
15.00
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A unique book for children 2–10 yrs, designed to assist parents, doctors, nursing staff and other health professionals to accurately assess young children’s pain levels. It employs the concept of a rainbow, with its different colours, to describe levels of pain. Using the answers to five key questions, a child then selects their own rainbow colours and what each represents pain-wise. A tear-out rainbow template is provided to put up on a wall or to take along to a medical centre or hospital. Real stories of other children facing pain challenges are included.
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Be the Boss of Your Pain – Self-care for Kids by
Dr Timothy Culbert and Rebecca Kajander (USA)
Price: $
24.00
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Kids can be both happier and healthier when they are the boss of their bodies and can take care of some of their pain on their own. The self-care skills in this book do not replace healthcare professionals, but they do help kids learn what they can do to take care of themselves. They will learn to deal with headaches, stomach aches and other pain to make themselves feel better without always going to the doctor or taking medicine. This book speaks to children ages 8 and up with this message: Your body, mind and spirit, working together, have amazing abilities to help you control how your body feels, even when you have pain. When you have pain, you often start feeling bad in other ways, too. You might have low energy, get poor sleep or have no appetite. You might get in a lousy mood or be bored and worried. You might even feel disconnected or hopeless. When you start to have these problems, being the boss of your body can help. Learning and practising body boss skills can really help you to take control of your pain.
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Be the Boss of Your Sleep – Self-care for Kids by
Dr Timothy Culbert and Rebecca Kajander (USA)
Price: $
24.00
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Kids can be both happier and healthier when they are the boss of their bodies and can control how their bodies feel, even when they are having trouble sleeping. The self-care skills in this book do not replace healthcare professionals but they do help kids learn what they can do to take care of themselves. They will learn to fall asleep faster, sleep better and feel well-rested and more energised to manage better at home, at school and in other activities. Be the Boss of Your Sleep speaks to kids ages 8 and up with this message: If sleep troubles are making you feel lousy, you can do things to get your body, mind and spirit working together to get back to feeling your best. When you eat well and get enough exercise, think positively and believe you can help yourself, and feel hopeful and supported by loved ones, you will sleep better and feel more refreshed and energised by sleep. You’ll also get sick less often and recover quicker when you are sick or injured. Learning body boss skills to help you sleep better and take care of yourself will be a big help.
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Making Mummy Better by
Denise Scott, Australia
Price: $
20.00
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A wonderfully illustrated, large picture book telling the story of Sally, whose mum has had a new baby and is now suffering from post-natal depression. Written for 3–9 year olds whose mother is in the same situation, this book provides comfort and reassurance that, with help, support and time, their mum will also get better again.
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I had a black dog by
Written and illustrated by Matthew Johnstone
Price: $
23.00
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A powerful tool in explaining the nature of depression.
It was Winston Churchill who popularized the phrase Black Dog to describe the bouts of depression he experienced for much of his life. Through cartoons, this book presents an insight into what it is like to have a Black Dog as a companion. It also reveals how the author learned to tame it and bring it to heel. I had a Black Dog powerfully expresses how lonely and isolating depression can be for sufferers. It is both poignant and humorous. Recognised as one of the best books on depression there is – and it’s quick to read!
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Living with a black dog - how to take care of someone living with depression while looking after yourself. by
Written and illustrated by Matthew Johnstone
Price: $
23.00
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It's not so easy caring for someone who's living with depression while looking after yourself. This book gets to the heart of depression through illustration and simple text. Matthew Johnstone provides moving and uplifting insight into what it is like to suffer from depression. While he shows why depression is a debilitating condition, he makes it very clear there is hope and offers very practical strategies for those caring and supporting someone they love.
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Can I Catch It Like A Cold? Coping with a Parent’s Depression by
CAMH, illustrated by Joe Weissmann (Canada)
Price: $
25.00
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This hard copy book tells the story of Alex and his struggle to understand his father’s problem with depression. Alex can’t understand why his father sits at home alone crying, instead of coming out to watch him play his soccer game. Alex soon discovers that his father has depression. Alex learns what causes depression, what treatments are available and how he can cope and live well while his father is ill. He also learns that it’s not his fault that his father has depression – and no, depression is not something you can catch, like a cold. This is the first in a new series of children’s booklets for 5–9 year olds developed in Canada. It not only spurs on conversations, but offers reassurance to those who cope with this adult-sized problem. The storyline and the illustrations reflect ethnocultural diversity, making these books highly accessible and relevant to a broad range of children.
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What to Do When You’re Sad and Lonely – A Guide for Kids by
James J Crist (USA)
Price: $
31.50
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All kids feel sad and lonely sometimes. Growing numbers of children are living with depression – a disease often mistaken for sadness. This reassuring book offers strategies and tips kids can use to beat the blues and blahs, get a handle on their feelings, make and keep friends and enjoy their time alone. The second part focuses on depression, bipolar disorder, grief and other problems too big for kids to handle on their own and describes what it’s like to go to counselling. Includes a note for adults. and a list of resources. Two-colour illustrations, For ages 9–13.
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Who Will Tuck Me In? by
Sue Garden-Bachop, NZ
Price: $
10.00
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A 15% DISCOUNT SPECIAL FOR JULY, AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER! A New Zealand picture book for younger children (4-8 years) who have a family member with a serious illness. Author Sue Garden-Bachop is a mother of three, and after she was diagnosed with leukaemia, she wanted a book about her kind of situation to use with her own children. Not finding what she needed, she wrote a story herself. Illustrated in full colour throughout, it is informative without ever being heavy, and particularly highlights some of the worries a child in this situation may have. With its gentle humour, this story will appeal to young children but will also be enjoyed by any older siblings listening in.
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Butterfly Kisses and Wishes on Wings – when a child knows someone with cancer by
by Ellen McVicker & Nanci Hersh (USA)
Price: $
38.00
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This amazing new book was written as a listen-to or read-along story to educate and support any child who is facing the cancer of a loved one. You can find tremendous notes for families, caregivers or professionals to use when reading this book with a child on our website www.skylight.org.nz For every page there are key points and follow up ideas, and they can be downloaded as a PDF. The story line, as told through the eyes of a child, lends itself to a simple and clear understanding of cancer. Most important, however, is the lesson that teaches children the power they have to be an active and integral part of a loved one's cancer journey. You can find tremendous notes for families, caregivers or professionals to use when reading this book with a child on our website www.skylight.org.nz For every page there are key points and follow up ideas, and they can be downloaded as a PDF.
"I read Butterfly Kisses and Wishes on Wings with my 6 year old daughter. She loved the book. Her comment was "How did the book know what I was thinking?" This book handled the subject matter with dignity and grace."
Sherrie Somers & daughter Chanah
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The Paper Chain by
Claire Blake, Eliza Blanchard and Kathy Parkinson, illustrated by Kathy Parkinson (USA)
Price: $
26.00
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Marcus and Ben are two young brothers who must come to terms with their mother’s diagnosis of breast cancer. A life-threatening illness in the family affects children in a number of ways, and the best response is a gentle, thoughtful, age-appropriate informational discussion such as is reflected in this sensitive and highly recommended story. This is a wonderful book to help families cope with an ill parent. Beautifully illustrated, it is sensitive, realistic, insightful and practical.
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When Someone You love Has Cancer – A Guide to Help Kids Cope by
Alaric Lewis, illustrated by RW Alley (USA)
Price: $
16.90
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This book helps children when someone they care about has cancer. It helps them have a healthy understanding of how cancer may affect the person and the people who know them. It reassures children that the many feelings they can experience such as sadness, confusion and fear are all normal and gives them good ideas of ways to manage through this difficult time. Has some Christian references to God on a few pages. A delightful, full-colour book and one of the popular Elf-help Books for Kids series.
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Special Brothers and Sisters: Stories and Tips for Siblings of Children with Special Needs, Disability or Serious Illness by
Edited by Annette Hames and Monica McCaffrey (UK)
Price: $
30.00
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Special Brothers and Sisters is a collection of real-life accounts from the brothers and sisters of children with special needs, disability or serious illness, ranging in age from 3–8 years. They explain, in their own words, what it’s like to live with their siblings. Until now, there’s been little advice for parents about how siblings feel and why they may behave differently from other children. These stories – from 40 different families – come with related tips to help siblings deal with some of the things that happen in their family lives. The book also provides a helpful glossary to explain, in child-friendly language, the disabilities and medical conditions mentioned in the book.
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Lessons from my child: Parents’ experiences of life with a disabled child by
Cindy Dowling, Neil Nicoll and Bernadette Thomas
Price: $
35.40
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A collection of stories gathered from parents of special-needs children from around the world. In their own words,
these parents speak openly and honestly about raising a child with intellectual or physical disabilities – the sleepless
nights, the long periods of sadness, the tiny triumphs and the ongoing battle to ensure that their child assumes his
or her rightful place in the world. The stories are grouped into chapters that reflect the main stages of many parents’
journeys as they move through grief, denial and anger to a point where they can accept their situation, and perhaps
see their child’s disability as embodying a profound life lesson. These accounts from parents allow rare insights into
the challenges of their world and reveal the extraordinary rollercoaster of emotions many face daily. What emerges is
a testament to human determination and a powerful reaffirmation of the strength of love.
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Be the Star that You Are: A Book for Kids Who Feel Different. by
Susan Heyboer O’Keefe, illustrated by RW Alley (USA)
Price: $
16.90
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Children can feel different from others for many reasons. Children can sometimes come to see differences as a cause of shame in this world where external appearance, visible talents and physical ideals are highlighted so much. This book helps children to accept, value and celebrate the differences among us. Some Christian references to God on a few pages. A delightful full-colour book and one of the popular Elf-help Books for Kids series.
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Gentle Willow: A Story for Children About Dying (second edition) by
Joyce C Mills, illustrated by Cary Pillo (USA)
Price: $
22.00
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With full-colour illustrations, this book has been written for children who may not survive their illness or for the children who know them. This second edition of this tender and touching tale helps address feelings of disbelief, anger and sadness, along with love and compassion. For ages 4–8.
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Forever Hellos, Hard Good-byes: Inspiration, Wit and Wisdom From Courageous Kids Facing Life-threatening Illness by
Axel Dahlberg and Janis Russell Love (USA)
Price: $
39.40
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When facing a life-challenging or even terminal illness, it’s all about being normal. That’s what kids and teens want for themselves and from the people around them. With wit, wisdom and courage, young people (ages 7–21) tell in their own words what it’s like to be ill while trying to live each minute of their daily lives. Their true stories offer hope and insight to anyone touched by serious illness; their advice is of value to all those who know, love and treat young people with illnesses or disabilities. For families, friends, classmates and teachers of affected children and teens; for colleges that offer classes in disability studies; and for doctors and hospitals who want to share hope with their patients.
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The Survival Guide for Kids with ADD or ADHD by
John F Taylor (USA)
Price: $
42.50
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What are ADD and ADHD? What does it mean to have ADD and ADHD? How can kids diagnosed with ADD and ADHD help themselves succeed in school, get along better at home and form healthy, enjoyable relationships with peers? In kid-friendly language and a format that welcomes reluctant and easily distracted readers, Free Spirit’s newest survival guide helps kids know they’re not alone and offers practical strategies for taking care of oneself, modifying behaviour, enjoying school, having fun and dealing (when needed) with doctors, counsellors and medication. Includes real-life scenarios, quizzes and a special message for parents. For ages 8–12.
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Putting on the Brakes Activity Book for Kids with ADD or ADHD (second edition) by
Patricia O Quinn and Judith M Stern, illustrated by Joe Lee (USA)
Price: $
36.00
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This updated edition of the bestselling classic is packed with fun exercises for kids with attention difficulties. This book will challenge kids and empower them to be the best they can be! Topics include all about AD/HD and ideas for managing it, all about you, friendships, getting organised, sharpening your skills and succeeding in school. With engaging black and white illustrations. For 8–13 year olds.
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The Survival Guide for Kids with LD (Learning Differences) (revised and updated edition) by
Gary Fisher and Rhoda Cummings (USA)
Price: $
42.50
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The updated version of this classic survival guide has helped countless young people labelled ‘learning disabled’ and the adults who care about them. This revised and updated edition retains the best of the original edition: the warmth, affirmation and solid information kids need to know that they’re smart and can learn, they just learn differently. It answers the many questions they have like: Why is it hard for kids with LD to learn? and What happens when you grow up? It explains what LD means and doesn’t mean; defines different kinds of LD; describes what happens in LD programmes; helps kids deal with sad, hurt and angry feelings; suggests ways to get along better in school and at home; and inspires young people to set goals and plan for the future. Includes resources for parents and teachers. For kids, teens, parents, educators and counsellors. For ages 8 and up.
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My Grandpa Had a Stroke by
Dori Hillestad Butler, illustrated by Nicole Wong (USA)
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24.90
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What’s a stroke? Why can’t Grandpa move his arm? Why does he seem so different? Will he get better? Why did this have to happen to my Grandpa? Who will take care of him? Ryan loves spending Saturdays with his Grandpa, riding in the truck, stopping at Morrie’s Diner for breakfast and fishing on Hall Lake. But when his grandfather has a stroke, everything suddenly changes. Now Ryan is confused and scared. He’s worried about his grandfather, and he misses the special bond they shared. Offering honest and age-appropriate information about strokes, this gentle story also addresses the many feelings children face and helps them adjust while finding new ways to maintain those special family bonds. A comprehensive note to parents provides additional guidance, information and resources. Full-colour illustrations. For ages 4–8.
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Always My Grandpa: A Story for Children About Alzheimer’s Disease by
Linda Scacco, illustrated by Nicole Wong (USA)
Price: $
25.80
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This heart-warming tale describes what it is like to be close to a grandparent who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Daniel and his mother spend every summer with his Grandpa at a cottage by the sea. Daniel loves these summer visits: playing baseball, walking on the beach, watching the sunset and hearing Grandpa’s stories of his fishing boat. As the summer passes, Grandpa begins to change. Daniel learns that, since Grandpa has Alzheimer’s disease, he will have trouble remembering all the things that belong to him – his clothes, his words, his memories – and, eventually, his own grandson. Through gentle narration and easy-to-understand explanations, the book explains Alzheimer’s disease and how it affects children and families. A note to parents offers guidance for helping children with common emotions and reactions to Alzheimer’s disease. Full-colour illustrations. For ages 6–10.
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Striped Shirts and Flowered Pants: A Story About Alzheimer’s Disease for Young Children by
Barbara Schnurbush, illustrated by Cary Pillo (USA)
Price: $
24.90
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Libby and Nana love to read stories and colour pictures together. They plant the garden in spring and feed the songbirds. But Libby notices that Nana is forgetting the words in books. She’s mixing up the names of birds. She’s wearing clothes that don’t match. What’s going on? When Libby’s parents tell her about Alzheimer’s disease, she begins to understand what is happening to Nana, and with their reassurance and help, she finds ways to be with Nana and still do the things they love. For parents, a note by a psychologist offers guidance for helping children cope when a family member who has Alzheimer’s disease. Full-colour illustrations. For ages 4–8.
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Mile-high Apple Pie by
Laura Langston, illustrated by Lindsey Gardiner (USA)
Price: $
19.80
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A wonderfully moving account of a girl’s relationship with her grandmother whose memory is failing. As time passes, this little girl grows up and her Grandma grows older. Even if, at times, coming to terms with Grandma’s not remembering is difficult, there are still some very special things Grandma does remember – like how to make mile-high apple pie. And when Grandma suddenly can’t remember who Margaret is, Margaret reassures her: “I am Margaret. I am your remembering.”
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