Finding the right book to help your child learn about hospitilizations and medical appointments is important. A carefully chosen book helps children learn and ask questions. We recommend you look through several books before showing any to your child. The following books are available through most public libraries or can be purchased.
Toddler books
Freddie Visits the Doctor, N. Smee: Barrons Juveniles (1999)
Going to the Hospital, A. Civardi: EDC Publications (2001)
The Hospital, D. Bailey: Firefly Books (2000) - board book featuring photographs
Jonathan Goes to the Doctor, S. Baggette: Brookfield Reader (1998) - board book with photographs of toddler visiting his doctor's office
What to Expect When You Go to the Doctor, H. Murkoff: HarperCollins Juvenile Books (2000)
Popular Character Books (Preschool)
The Berenstain Bears Go to the Doctor, S. Berenstain: Random House (1981)
A Big Operation (The Busy World of Richard Scarry), R. Scarry ed: Aladdin Library (1995)
A Trip to the Hospital, K. Watson & B. Cosby: Simon Spotlight/Nick Jr. (2001)
*Clifford Visits the Hospital, N. Bridwell: Cartwheel Books (2000)
Curious George Goes to the Hospital, Rey: Houghton, Mifflin Co. (1966)
Disney's Winnie the Pooh: Pooh Gets a Checkup, K. Zoehfeld: Random House (2001)
Does a hippo say ahh? F. Ehrlich: Blue Apple Books (2003)
*Franklin Goes to the Hospital, S. Jennings: Scholastic Trade (2000)
Madeline, L. Bemelmans: Scholastic (1993). Madeline wakes up with appendicitis.
*A Visit to the Sesame Street Hospital, D. Hautzig et al: Random House (1985)
Preschool - School age/General topics
The Doctor and You, D. Swanson: Annick Press (2001) - Photographs.
Doctor Tools, I. Snyder: Children's Press (2002)
*Don't You Feel Well, Sam?, A. Hest: Candlewick Press (2002)
Going to the Hospital (First Experiences Series), F. Rogers: Penguin and Putnam Books for Young Children (1997)
The Hospital Book, J. Howe: Morrow, William & Company (1994) - Photographs
My Doctor, My Friend, P.K. Hallinan: Ideals Children's Book (2002)
My First Doctor Visit (My First Thirty Word Books), J. Allen: Aro Pub (2001)
Katie Goes to the Hospital, B. Cork: Peter Bedrick Books (2002)
When I see my doctor…S. Kulin: MacMillan Publishing Co (1991)
Preschool - School age/Special Topic
*Chris Gets Ear Tubes, B. Pace: Gallaudet University Press (1987)
Good-Bye Tonsils, J. Hatkoff: Viking Children's Books (2001)
Hospital Emergency Room, C. Beylon: Dover Publications (2001)
It Can't Hurt Forever, M. Singer: Harper Collin's Children's Books (1978) An 11 yo's experience with heart surgery
Jessica’s x-ray, P. Zonta: Firefly (2002)
Koko Bear's Big Earache - Preparing Your Child for Ear Tube Surgery, V. Lansky: A Bantam Book (1988)
Let's Talk About When You Have to Have Your Tonsils Out (The Let's Talk Library), M. Gordon: Powerkids Press (2003)
Tubes in My Ears - My Trip to the Hospital, V. Dooley: MONDO Publish (1998)
Websites for older school age and teens
Visit www.kidshealth.org and www.webmd.com
*Available in Spanish text.
