Pre-K
Growing Reader
Sick Lit: 10 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
Also 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: -
Get Well Soon, Spot
Also 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: -
When You’re Feeling Sick
Also available from:This super silly book from Coy Bowles, guitarist for the Grammy Award-winning Zac Brown Band, will make any sick kid feel better. With its own sheet of stickers, an upbeat message, and bright, expressive illustrations, sick kiddos will be smiling in no time. Make sure you download the free song that comes with the book!
(Ages 3 - 7)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)Available from: -
How Do Dinosaurs Get Well Soon?
Available from:When dinosaurs get sick, you might think they act like monsters. However, they listen to the doctor, take their medicine, and get lots of rest. This fun book shows kids that good manners are necessary even when you're sick.
(Ages 3 - 7)Available from: -
That's Me Loving You
Also 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
Also 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: -
Every Thing On It
Available from:Even young readers can appreciate the hilarious brilliance of Shel Silverstein. When you're feeling sick, there's no better remedy than a good laugh — and you'll find plenty of them in this wacky book.
(Ages 4 - 8)Available from: -
Monkey and Elephant Get Better
Also 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
Also 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:
How do you comfort your child when they’re feeling sick? Any special books to recommend?