Young Lives vs Cancer launches updated storybooks to support children with cancer

A SET of storybooks for children with cancer are being released on World Cancer Day (Tuesday 4 February). The books have been created by Young Lives vs Cancer, the leading UK charity for children and young people with cancer and their families to help newly diagnosed children and their families learn more about cancer. 

The books, which are aimed at children diagnosed with cancer aged seven to 11, follow four characters, Charlie, Ava, Luca and Zarah, through diagnosis and treatment for four different cancer types.

The four books are launching on World Cancer Day (Tuesday 4 February), 20 years after the charity published their first set of books to support families facing childhood cancer. They have had minor updates over the years, but this is the first time they have been rewritten.

The new storybooks have been updated using feedback from a group of children, parents and carers who have experience of childhood cancer and Young Lives vs Cancer Specialist Social Workers to make sure they are relevant and accurate.

Young Lives vs Cancer is a major service provider for children and young people with cancer and their families. From the moment of diagnosis, Young Lives vs Cancer’s specialist social workers provide day-to-day support for each child, young person and family.

Tracy Cosgrave, Associate Director of Services at Young Lives vs Cancer, said: “Our storybooks are just one of the many tools our specialist social workers use to help children feel informed and in control and, along with their families, able to make knowledgeable decisions about their care and their future.

“The books explain what happens after a cancer diagnosis in a way that children can understand. This helps them to know what to expect and feel more prepared.”

With printed and downloadable versions of the storybooks available, they will primarily be used by Young Lives vs Cancer Specialist Social Workers and parents/carers to support children with cancer. They could also be used to support children who know a child with cancer, like siblings, friends and classmates, or by adults who are looking for a straightforward introduction to children’s cancer treatment.

Young Lives vs Cancer worked with Lymphoma Action and Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG) to make sure the content of the new books and any medical information is as accurate as possible. The books also feature all-new illustrations by children’s illustrator Allen Fatimaharan that reflect Young Lives vs Cancer’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

Dad Tim and his son, Michael now 13, were among the first to receive the storybook, Charlie has Leukaemia. Tim had read the original version of the book back when Michael himself was diagnosed with leukaemia, at only two years old.

Tim said: “I found the book incredibly useful for me. Searching the internet after his diagnosis was so scary. Sometimes grown-ups need the information broken down into manageable and understandable steps – I know I did.

“We also used it to help Michael’s classmates understand his condition when he started school. For example it was important they understood that washing their hands was essential because Michael’s immune system couldn’t fight germs in the same way as his peers.”

Tim sat on the group of parents and carers who fed back on the storybooks. He said: “We hope that the new versions of the books will be very accessible to new families with a cancer diagnosis, especially when they are so overwhelmed with information and petrified about their child’s potential survival.”

Laura, a Young Lives vs Cancer Specialist Social Worker who will use the storybooks when supporting families, said: “These books serve as an essential tool for parents and professionals, offering a compassionate and accessible way to talk about cancer, treatments, and side effects, helping children to understand their diagnosis, process their emotions, and learn about their journey.  

“The new stories offer a more detailed and accurate reflection of what it’s like to be a child in hospital with cancer in 2025. The illustrations are vibrant and engaging, providing meaningful opportunities for families to discuss treatment, and all the different professionals children might meet along the way.” 

Charlie Has Leukaemia, Ava Has A Tumour, Zarah Has A Brain Tumour and Luca Has Lymphoma are available to read and download here.

Young Lives vs Cancer receives no public funding and relies entirely on charitable donations to fund their vital work supporting children and young people facing cancer and their families across the UK. 

For more information about Young Lives vs Cancer, visit younglivesvscancer.org.uk