Two years ago, someone dear to me was diagnosed with breast cancer. As we searched for ways to talk about illness, fear, and love—especially with the youngest in our families—we found comfort and clarity in picture books. These stories don’t provide easy answers, but they do offer language, images, and space for young children to feel. Each book in this list speaks honestly to children about cancer, grief, healing, and hope—with warmth, tenderness, and truth.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the perfect time for teachers to consider adding these compassionate, age-appropriate picture books to their classroom libraries. It’s an opportunity to foster empathy, support students who may be affected by a loved one’s diagnosis, and open the door to gentle, meaningful conversations about illness and resilience.

1. Hair for Mama by Kelly A. Tinkham, illus. by Amy June Bates

Eight-year-old Marcus worries his mom won’t join their family photo after losing her hair to chemotherapy. He tries all kinds of ideas to help—but learns that simply being together matters more than appearance. Tinkham, a breast cancer survivor, writes a simple and heartfelt tale that’s honest without feeling heavy. The watercolor-and-pencil illustrations add warmth with soft lines and earthy tones. It’s a real, quiet look at love during hard times.

Buy it: Hair for Mama

2. Love Stays Strong by Paula Schneider, illus. by Nicole Wong

A mother explains her illness to her daughter and reassures her that love stays even when bodies change. Schneider—herself a breast cancer survivor and CEO of the Susan G. Komen Foundation—offers reassurance without false cheer. Digital illustrations in gentle colors show the family spending time together in everyday moments—like visiting a pumpkin patch, walking in the woods, and watching dolphins at an aquarium—capturing comfort and connection. A tender, grounded read for families facing illness.

Buy it: Love Stays Strong

3. Loose Threads: A Story About Me, Mom, and Dad written and illus. by Airien Ludin

After her mom dies from illness, a young girl feels tangled in grief until she cries out for help and she and Dad begin to heal. Drawing on Ludin’s own experience—her mother is a breast cancer survivor—the text is candid, clear, and true to a child’s point of view. Dynamic illustrations use color symbolism and sewing and weaving motifs to mirror the story’s emotional thread. The back matter offers discussion prompts and a guide for reading with children.

Buy it: Loose Threads

4. Mama’s Year With Cancer by Nancy Churnin and Shayna Vincent, illus. by Wazza Pink

This book follows a year in the life of a mom with cancer, marked by doctor visits, rest, and small but precious moments with her daughter. The language is straightforward and kind, honest about worry but focused on daily love. Wazza Pink’s digital art brings soft color and tender details, showing the rhythms of hope, care, and routine. It keeps things grounded in everyday strength. And it feels honest—no grand claims, just the weight of time and love.

Buy it: Mama’s Year With Cancer

5. Cancer Hates Kisses by Jessica Reid Sliwerski, illus. by Mika Song

A child offers kisses, hugs, and small acts of love when Mama faces cancer. The writing is frank and brave—it doesn’t ignore the hard parts—using simple truths instead of big language. Watercolor-and-ink illustrations in muted colors show how caring gestures and the power of touch can bring healing and fight sorrow. Back matter includes notes from the author and a cancer specialist. Real and comforting.

Buy it: Cancer Hates Kisses

6. Making Happy by Sheetal Sheth, illus. by Khoa Le

A young girl named Leila struggles with her mom’s illness and finds new ways to cope by creating joyful moments with her family. Sheth, who wrote the book while undergoing chemotherapy, uses a dream sequence featuring a peacock to depict Leila’s emotional release. Mixed-media illustrations, rich with warm colors and Indian fabric patterns, reflect her shifting emotions and cultural roots. The story doesn’t erase sadness, but gently makes space for joy to exist beside it, even amid sickness.

Buy it: Making Happy

7. Brave Like Mom by Monica Acker, illus. Paran Kim

A girl watches her mom face illness and medical treatment with quiet strength, learning that being brave means feeling scared but carrying on anyway. Acker writes plainly and with care; in her author’s note, she shares that the mother character was inspired by her sister-in-law, who died of cancer in 2020. The full-color illustrations are calm and reassuring, showing courage in small, steady ways. It’s a quiet reminder that bravery doesn’t have to be loud to be real.

Buy it: Brave Like Mom

8. The Adventure Jar by Gilead Sciences, illus. by Alexandra Colombo

This picture book was created by the biopharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences in partnership with members of the metastatic breast cancer community. The story follows a family navigating a cancer diagnosis who fill an “adventure jar” with manageable ideas to bring magic into everyday life then make those memories together. The expressive text and colorful digital illustrations bring their outings and imaginative escapades to life. It’s a gentle assurance that joy and connection don’t have to stop during hard times.

Get your free hard copy: The Adventure Jar

9. Ani’s Light by Tanu Shree Singh, illus. by Sandhya Prabhat

Ani, a young boy living in India, feels lost and trapped in darkness while his mother is away for chemotherapy treatment. But her return brings light, helping him face his fears. Written by a psychology professor, the text is low‑key and sensitive. Full-color stylized illustrations use soft glows to suggest that light isn’t loud—it’s quiet and constant. The story shows how hope can grow from small moments without promising easy fixes. Includes a helpful note to caregivers.

Buy it: Ani’s Light

10. The Goodbye Cancer Garden by Janna Matthies, illus. by Kristi Valiant

After Mom’s cancer diagnosis, Janie’s family plants a garden as a symbol of hope, looking toward harvest time as a milestone for healing. Written by Matthies during her own breast cancer journey, the text describes surgery, chemo, tests, and the physical toll without overwhelming young readers. Soft, full-color digital illustrations with a hand-painted feel capture the family’s optimism, gratitude, and togetherness. The story doesn’t sugarcoat goodbye but shows that growth can follow grief. And that feels real.

Buy it: The Goodbye Cancer Garden

11. You Are the Best Medicine by Julie Aigner Clark, illus. by Jana Christy

A mother gently prepares her young daughter for the realities of cancer treatment and reminds her that the happy memories and comforting rituals they share—cuddles, snacks, games, bedtime stories—will help them both feel stronger. Wispy, cozy illustrations glow with light, showing caring gestures, quiet company, and eyes that say “I’m here.” Written by a breast cancer survivor, the text doesn’t preach or overpromise. It just affirms that listening, kindness, and presence can be healing when illness visits.

Buy it: You Are the Best Medicine

By thoughtfully curating stories that reflect the realities some children face, teachers can offer more than just books—they can offer comfort, connection, and hope. Whether it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October or any time of year, these picture books can help young readers feel seen, supported, and a little less alone.

Plus, check out our list of Picture Books To Celebrate Fall.

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