The famous hat (Special Stories Series 1)

This book has been designed to help children with leukaemia (or other forms of cancer) to prepare for treatment, namely chemotherapy, and a stay in hospital. Treatment for childhood cancer can be very difficult to cope with, especially for very young children. The lengthy stay in hospital, having to contend with drips, tubes and injections is difficult enough without the possibility of hair loss for children to face. However, this book helps children to see the experience of a child that they can easily relate to. Harry not only enjoys his stay in hospital and makes new friends, but he also overcomes any fears of losing his hair. Most importantly, the book shows children that this experience is only temporary; it is not a permanent part of their lives. It assures them that there will be a time where their hair will start to grow back and they will eventually leave the hospital and return home. The book also gives parents an opportunity to discuss the visit to hospital and the treatment with their child by comparing their experience to Harry.