Sick Lit: 12 Kids’ Books To Have On Hand for Sick Days
by Dena McMurdie
Schools are like amusement parks for germs, so it’s no wonder my kids get sick all the time. When my oldest daughter caught the latest illness going around, I gave her a dose of medicine, wrapped her in a blanket, and pulled out our “sick day” books.
A good book can help keep your mind off your discomfort and make you feel almost normal (at least for a little while). These are the books we read when someone in our family is feeling under the weather.
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Llama Llama Home with Mama
Available from:Who can resist the charming, easy rhymes of Anna Dewdney? This is a must-read for any kid (and their parents) on a sick day. Kids can relate to Llama Llama as he and his mama deal with illness.
(Ages 2 - 5)Also available from: -
Dr. Fauci: A Little Golden Book Biography
Available from:Introduce your child to America’s most famous doctor with this Little Golden Book biography. Toddlers and preschoolers will enjoy learning about Dr. Fauci’s life and how he helped America during the pandemic.
(Ages 2 - 5)Also available from: -
Get Well Soon, Spot
Available from:Sometimes seeing a familiar face can help us feel better. In this installment of the Spot series, everyone’s favorite puppy is under the weather. But when Mom and his friends come to help, Spot sees that being sick has its advantages. A sweet and easy read for the pre-K set.
(Ages 3 - 5)Also available from: -
Make Teddy Better
Available from:This interactive board book is a sweet story about helping someone else feel better and an excellent sick day activity. The plastic storage pouch includes felt pieces shaped like bandages, medicine, a thermometer, a cuddly toy, and more. Kids will love using the felt pieces to comfort Teddy while he recovers from an illness.
(Ages 3 - 5)Also available from: -
The Sniffles for Bear
Available from:Bear is a difficult patient. He's overly dramatic about his illness, even going so far as to write a will while Mouse patiently cares for him. This is a cute and funny story about the different ways people deal with illness.
(Ages 3 - 7)Also available from: -
That's Me Loving You
Available from:This is a wonderful book to snuggle up with when your child is feeling sick and in need of extra cuddles. Full of love and beautiful artwork, it's a comforting book for when you need it most.
(Ages 3 - 7)Also available from: -
Penguin Problems
Available from:Penguin is full of complaints until a wise walrus stops by and shows him how to focus on the good in life. This book is laugh-out-loud funny and perfect for those days when focusing on the positive proves difficult.
(Ages 3 - 7)Also available from: -
Home
Available from:Kids usually spend sick days at home, resting. This gorgeous picture book celebrates the simple comforts of home, whether it’s an apartment, a boat, or a castle. Kids will love seeing the many types of homes found throughout the world.
(Ages 4 - 8)Also available from: -
Monkey and Elephant Get Better
Available from:Geared toward kids that are starting to read independently, this short chapter book teaches the need to be sensitive to others when they're feeling sick. It's a sweet and funny look at feeling less than your best, helping others, and exploring differences.
(Ages 5 - 9)Also available from: -
Puppy Pirates #4: Sea Sick
Available from:For readers who have moved on to chapter books, this tale of a sick puppy at sea is just the ticket. It will keep your child occupied and give you a brief reprieve from nursing duty.
(Ages 6 - 9)Also available from: -
All You Need Is a Pencil: The Totally Sick Sick-Day Activity Book
Available from:When kids are stuck at home and feeling sick, it helps to have some screen-free entertainment options on hand. In between naps and doses of medicine, kids will enjoy picking up a pencil and working through the puzzles, games, and activities in this aptly named sick-day activity book.
(Ages 7 - 10)Also available from: -
The Universe in You
Available from:A sick day is a good day to dive into the human body’s workings. This companion book to Your Place in the Universe pulls readers deep inside the human body to discover its smallest and most complex particles. It’s a fascinating read that will improve any sick day.
(Ages 8 - 12)Also available from:
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2017 and updated in 2023.