The Creative Arts Therapists and Child Life Specialists on the Sibling Support Team at Friends of Karen often use books in our sessions with ill children and their siblings to educate about illnesses, model feelings and provide insight and comfort through storytelling. Bibliotherapy is a favorite tool which is often used in tandem with art making and play.

“The Invisible String” written by Patrice Karst is one of the most well loved books in our bag of tricks. This best selling picture book tells the story of unbreakable connections between loved ones. A key goal when working with families is acting as a bridge for connection and communication. Cancer and other serious illnesses that Friends of Karen families face can be a major barrier to family connection- physical separation during treatments and hospitalization, overwhelming emotions, changes in daily routines, confusion and even jealousy all contribute to these struggles. The idea that is conveyed so beautifully and simply in the book is that our hearts are always connected to those we love. It is a theme that we come back to often when working with Friends of Karen children, one that brings comfort in times of change, separation and sometimes bereavement.