Additional books for the Inpatient Unit, Lab, and Peds Clinic
As I have been researching books and looking for more to share with you, I have encountered some books about topics that have already been shared. So this week, I am adding books to two existing categories and starting a new category (procedures and scans - more will be added to this category soon).
Different books are good for different kids. So please use the descriptions below to determine if the book will be a good fit and always read prior to using with a child.
Inpatient:
The Hospital Trip by Hannah Davison
This book tells the story of Perry who doesn’t feel well and his friend/sibling who tries to help. When he has to go to the hospital to have some tests, his friend talks to him about what he is worried about. He goes to the hospital and the tests and medicine help him feel better. The story ends with his friend visiting and them racing wheel chairs together. This book could be great for kids who need to go to the hospital for some tests and are feeling worried. Interestingly, this book can be customized so that the sibling or friend supporting Perry has your child’s name and looks like your child. Good book for low to middle elementary.
https://mybigmoments.com/the-hospital-trip
Zoey Goes to the Hospital by Bill Mulcahy
How did I not know about this book until this week?! This book tells the story of a girl that goes to the ER for pneumonia and then gets admitted. She feels worried, but a child life specialist helps her throughout the entire visit. The book talks about many parts of the hospital that kids talk about, but it also introduces the idea of “name it, tame it, and reframe it”. I loved it and think it would be very helpful for kids experiencing any sort of health care stress. I have found that this book is no longer available in print, but the author does have it available for digital download. Great for preschool through upper elementary.
(I can not find where this book is currently being published. You may only be able to find used copies or on a YouTube video. If you find new copies somewhere, let me know and I'll be happy to share the link!)
Blood Draws and Vaccines
Blood Soup by Jessica Wilfore
Another book written by a child life specialist! Blood soup is a resource created for kids to understand blood and blood draws. Many of us are familiar with the ‘blood soup’ activity. This book makes it easy for families to follow along at home. This book also talks about what to expect during a blood draw and how it affects the body. If your child has an upcoming blood draw or just experienced a blood draw, this book can help build their understanding and avoid misunderstandings or magical interpretations. This book would be good for preschool through upper elementary.
Spiral Bound: https://amzn.to/44mfxkQ
Digital: https://amzn.to/4pygu20
How Do Vaccines Work? By Katrina Liu
This book starts with a little girl telling her dad that she doesn’t want to get a shot. The book then explains how vaccines work and how they are given. The book is upfront and honest about every aspect of the process. This is a great book for kids that want to know exactly what is happening. At the end of the book, the little girl understands how important the shot is, even if it hurts a little. If your child is especially anxious and gets stressed by talking about it, this book might be better for after they get their shot to build understanding for next time.
https://amzn.to/4aEJccQ
Pediatrician’s Office
My Doctor’s Visit -A Baby Medical School Book by Cara and Jon Florance
This book explains why kids go to the doctor for a yearly appointment and what the doctor is checking. The book goes through what the child can expect and the why behind it. There is one page about shots at the end of the book that keeps things simple, but supportive. It does a nice job of explaining things in simple terms and would be great for a 3-7 year old before an appointment.
https://amzn.to/4iOgmsJ
