Best Children’s Books for Sick Days During Cold and Flu Season

October is one of my favorite months. It has falling leaves, cooler weather, cozy recipes, beautiful pumpkins, and everything just feels so refreshing here in the Pacific Northwest as we settle into a new season. Unfortunately, as the wonders of autumn arrive the germs tend to show up right along with them. I cringe when the first child wakes with a sore throat or a runny nose. Mostly, because we have a family of six which means by the time we realize one kid is sick they have likely exposed the others. Do you know how long it takes for sicknesses to make their way through our household?! A very long time. With children in three different schools and several sports teams, it’s inevitable that we’re going to be in for a battle during cold and flu season. The noses will soon be sneezing, the Kleenex boxes will constantly be empty, humidifiers will be flowing, and everyone will smell like VapoRub come bedtime. Sick days can be especially taxing for moms as we are usually the ones who our sick kids look to for comfort, even when we are sick right along with them. Chicken soup, medicine, elevating their pillow just right, baths with the proper amount of bubbles, wiping little noses, and making sure they have ice water or tea for their sore throats.

There is only so much we can do to avoid the sick days. As we head into this cozy yet germy time of year, it’s nice to have some books and activities ready to go to keep little kids comfy and entertained as we nurse them back to health! Here are a few of our favorite “sick day” books to get you started:

Just a Little Sick by Mercer Mayer

Little Critter might have the flu, but he still happily anticipates all the fun things he’ll be able to do with a day off from school. That is, until he realizes that being “just a little sick” might not be what he had in mind! Your kids will surely be able to relate to the stir-crazy feelings of our favorite Little Critter as he recovers from his sickness.

Get Well, Curious George by Margeret and H.A. Rey

Join George as he visits the doctor and discovers what it will take to feel better soon! He wants nothing more than to get back to his curious ways but he will first have to take care of himself with extra rest, some juice, and a few quiet activities. This story is perfect for little kids who might need to be put at ease about seeing the doctor!

The Berenstain Bears’ Sick Days by Jan and Mike Berenstain

Oh boy, is this one relatable! Mama Bear is trying to keep life chugging along as she breathlessly tries to care for a sick Sister Bear, while watching the baby, cleaning, cooking, and fighting off the germs herself. It’s an honest look at life with sick kids that both parents and children will find entertaining!

Bear Feels Sick by Karma Wilson

Our good friend Bear might be feeling under the weather, but his forest buddies are there to comfort him. Even if it means they might end up getting sick, too. This rhyming tale is a sweet and charming story with colorful, inviting illustrations that your kids will enjoy over and over!

A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead

This heartwarming story follows a faithful zookeeper named Amos and his quirky animal friends. They each rely on him in different ways, so when he doesn’t show up to work because he’s at home with a cold, they return the favor and pay him a visit! My kids love this book. The illustrations are amazing and it’s a beautiful story of friendship.

A few other helpful things to have on hand for when the inevitable sick days arrive are simple puzzles, drawing pads with new crayons or markers, an easy craft kit, fun stamps, or some inexpensive fidget toys that might brighten up your child’s stuffy, sneezy day! Wishing you lots of health this season and hoping that even on the sickest most exhausting days, you will find a few moments of peace.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10