Dear Bruno by Alice Trillin

This reassuring little hardback book, illustrated with whimsical drawings by New Yorker cartoonist Koren, is intended for children with cancer. But it is also for their parents, caretakers, and is also an enlightening read for anybody really to gain some understanding of what some patients might go through. The text takes the form of a letter which educator and television producer Trillin wrote in 1979 to Bruno Navasky, a friend's 12-year-old son, who had just been diagnosed with cancer. Trillin, who herself had cancer, shares her experiences with Bruno and tries to cheer up his days with humor and a frank attitude toward the illness. Calvin, Alice's husband wrote a book about his wife who passed away in 2001.

Two Weeks With the Queen by Morris Gleitzman

There are now two copies of this book in the unit, so you could read it athe same time as a friend, which is always fun.

Two Weeks with the Queen was another book I had to read in one sitting. The story revolves around Colin, whose younger brother has cancer. Colin is sent to stay with relatives in London and decides that he can do something to help his brother. It is a combination of humour and pathos and would be enjoyed by any upper primary student. Here is Colin's letter to the Queen:

"Dear Your Majesty the Queen,

I need to speak to you urgently about my brother Luke. He's got cancer and the doctors in Australia are being really slack. If I could borrow your top doctor for a few days I know he/she would fix things in no time. Of course Mum and Dad would pay his/her fares even if it meant selling the car or getting a loan. Please contact me at the above address urgently.

Yours sincerely,

Colin Mudford."

Listen to chapter 1 by clicking the link below:

http://www.morrisgleitzman.com/books/fst_2wks_audio.html