Books for Children
Day by Day by Me
Is a delightful seizure diary that has been designed specifically for children to fill in themselves (with or without help from an adult). Aimed at 5-11 year olds, this cheerful, fun filled, diary is packed with colourful illustrations from famous illustrators, jokes, games, fun facts and epilepsy information.Your child can get a free copy of this diary by contacting The Childhood Epilepsy Information Service on 01342 831342, or emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Young Epilepsy are in the process of developing an alternative version designed specifically for young adults.)
What’s up with Wendy? by Dr Kim Chilman-Blair and John Taddeo
This book belongs to the Medikidz range of children’s novels which explain various childhood illnesses in an imaginative and easy to understand manner.
This book is designed in cartoon form for 10-15 year olds. When Wendy has her first seizure in front of her friend Andy, they are both unnerved by the experience. Super heroes come to their rescue, and Axon, the brain specialist superhero, explains to Wendy and Andy all about the functions of the brain, what seizures are, why they occur, and how to deal with them.
This is an informative book, designed in a style that is easy for children to understand. The cartoons are illustrated in such a way that children will want to pick this book up and read it to the end.
It can be obtained from www.kidzcomics.com for £6.99 and this website, specifically designed for children also gives more detailed information on epilepsy.
Taking Seizure Disorders to School by Kim Gosselin
This book is designed to be read aloud in a classroom of 5-8 year olds, either by the child with epilepsy or by the teacher. It explains to classmates about epilepsy, what causes seizures and how to deal with them. By answering many of the questions that children would have on the subject, it dispels their fears and gives a positive message about epilepsy. The book has colourful illustrations and a little quiz to make the subject fun.
That's What Friends are for by Brian Keaney
A story for 5-8 year olds, this book explains what it is like from a child’s point of view to have a variety of seizures (partial and generalised). It covers the impact that seizures can have on learning, as well as the confusion, embarrassment and fear that a child may experience. It also deals with the impact of teasing from other children. Despite covering these issues, it contains a positive message and is useful for siblings and classmates to read.
Epilepsy – The Detective Story by Peter Rogan and David Hollomby
Available from the National Society for Epilepsy NSE (suggested minimum donation £1)
This story contains a basic explanation of epilepsy for 7-12 year olds. Written in a cheerful and positive manner, it explains why an EEG may be necessary, the need to take anti epileptic drugs, and the first aid for tonic clonic seizures. This is a good book for classmates and siblings to read, as well as the child with epilepsy. On the back page are links to main epilepsy websites.
I Have Epilepsy by Althea
This story, narrated by a young boy, tells what it is like to have seizures, the investigations that he underwent and how he overcomes the restrictions that having epilepsy puts on him. It gives a positive message and would be useful reading for classmates and siblings, as well as the child with epilepsy.
Becki the Brave by Laurie Lears
This fictional story is written from the point of view of Becky’s younger sister, Sarah. Becky has a seizure at school and is extremely upset and nervous about returning to school for fear of being teased. Although a timid young girl, Sarah explains to Becky’s classmates about epilepsy. Their reaction is a pleasant surprise for Becky and gives her the reassurance she needs for returning to school.
What Difference Does It Make, Danny? by Helen Young
This book, although somewhat dated (first printed 1980), is still relevant reading for older children. It describes what happens when a young sporty boy with epilepsy is restricted from doing activities that he loves by an overcautious sports teacher. The message is strong – evaluate every child with epilepsy on an individual basis and do not put in place blanket restrictions. The effects of these restrictions have a negative impact on Danny’s behaviour and self esteem until something happens to turn around the situation. The pictures in this book are by Quentin Blake.
Everything a child needs to know about Epilepsy
by Dr C R Yemula and Prof BesagISBN 978-0-9554803-3-1
Supported by Janssen-Cilag Ltd
This is very comprehensive book covering all aspects of epilepsy information. The book features Fred who has tonic clonic seizures, and Emma who has learning difficulties and complex partial seizures. The illustrations and format make this a good book for younger children to read with parent or carer, or older children to read on their own. Useful contacts and web sites are listed at the back of the book. Ask at the clinic for a copy of this book which should be freely available.My Friend has Epilepsy by Anna Levene
This book is aimed at children aged 8-11 years old. Written from a friend’s point of view, this book explains what it is like to have a friend who has been diagnosed with epilepsy. In a positive manner it explains what epilepsy is, and includes issues such as the impact epilepsy can have on friendships, schooling and activities. It contains a list of useful organisations and websites for children and young people.
The Illustrated Junior Encyclopaedia of Epilepsy by Richard Appleton
This comprehensive book is designed for young people aged between 9 and 14 years. It is packed with information about epilepsy related matters and designed for a reader to dip in and dip out of the book. The information is presented in alphabetical order with cross referencing to other sections. This is a very useful book to have at your child’s fingertips as they can select relevant sections of interest and find information as required. Adults will learn plenty from it too. This book is also available in CD format.
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