This a great book to talk with children about cancer! Not only does it do a phenomenal job of framing cancer in a way that young children will understands, but also affirms that it is normal to feel scared about cancer, and give practical ways to show support for someone in your life with cancer. It is important to not just tell children that everything is alright and be honest with them that is something we can feel scared or nervous about.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5-Star Review for My Brave Friend by Suzanne Stone & Brett Fox

Thank you to NetGalley, Amplify Publishing, and the authors for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

As a homeschooling mom, I’m always on the hunt for what we call “real life” resources—books that help us explore big topics in a way that sparks meaningful conversation. My Brave Friend checked every box. While it’s not a title I’d typically request, it aligned beautifully with a health unit I’m putting together for our upcoming school year. We’ve already read stories involving children with diabetes and severe allergies, and this one added another deeply needed perspective.

The book introduces a serious subject with remarkable sensitivity. It doesn’t shy away from the reality of illness, but it presents it in a way that’s gentle and reassuring. Through thoughtful, age-appropriate language and warm, expressive illustrations, it helps children begin to understand the emotional and physical experiences of someone they care about—without feeling overwhelmed or afraid.

What stood out to me most was how the story promotes empathy and emotional strength while also being realistic. It’s not just a book for kids who are facing illness themselves—it’s a wonderful tool for helping any child learn how to be a supportive and compassionate friend.

This is a story we’ll return to often, and I highly recommend it to other parents, educators, and caregivers. It’s one of those rare books that feels like a story and a resource all in one.

My Brave Friend is a picture book with a subject I hadn’t considered before—how confusing and overwhelming something like cancer might be for a young child. This book does a wonderful job of explaining it in a way that’s honest but not at all scary. Through gentle language and heartfelt illustrations, it helps children understand what their loved ones may be going through, while also emphasizing empathy, strength, and hope. I'd say it's a valuable resource for any child facing something similar, or simply learning how to support a friend.

I truly hope this book is able to help children in this situation feel a little more seen and supported.

I absolutely love finding children's books that revolve around the medical field. It can not only help them understand what's going on, but it also helps kids be less scared. When I was a senior in high school, my best friend was diagnosed with lymphoma. I was so worried because I knew nothing about cancer, other than the fact that people die from it. This book would have helped me back then, so I know it will help a child understand what is going on with a friend or classmate.

Thank you to Netgalley, Suzanne Stone, and Amplify Publishing for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest feedback.