Spanish-language Children's Book for the Hospital/Doctor's Office
I want to start out by saying that I, myself, do not speak Spanish. So I am currently only suggesting books that I could find in English as well (so that I could preview them). I found some cool covers of Spanish books about various diagnosis, but without knowing the language, I currently can't recommend - so if you have access to to a translator or speak Spanish yourself, there are definitely more books to check out!
Next, I am really excited to be sharing these books because I truly believe that the support offered in the hospital should fit the diverse needs of its patients. In fact, families that are dealing with language barriers could find even more benefit from children's books. A parent maybe the only person who can speak to the child. So giving that parent simple explanations and answers to common worries is essential to a child's coping. In the following week(s), I will share some additional Spanish books about feelings, trauma, and grief that can also support families.
When I started working on this list, I honestly thought it would be easy. I already knew of a few great books that were offered in Spanish, BUT when I tried to continue the search, things got tricky The internet, knowing that I was someone who speaks English, did NOT want to offer me books in Spanish. I had to do exhaustive searching to find books that I already knew were in Spanish. Looking for books in Spanish, also exposed me to some other great hospital books in English that I never knew about. The internet is a very fical tool! I'll be sharing those English books in a couple of weeks, but in the meantime, I hope this list inspires to diversify the support available in your hospital, clinic, or office.
Lastly, some logistics. More than any other week, the links below are important. If you speak English and you 'Google' search these titles - they may not appear. (Welcome to my week!) So save yourself some time and use the links. I do make a small commission when you use the link to purchase, which helps me be able to continue putting hours and hours into the Hospital Book List project. (It does not cost you more money and the author still makes the same profit.) Also, I plan on going back through the Hospital List and indicating which books have translations in other languages, but this will take me some time. So far now, I have added a "Spanish Resources" section towards the end of the HBL.
Hola, Cartón de Jugo! Cartón de Jugo en el hospital (Spanish translation of Hi, Juice Box Juice Box Stays at the Hospital) by Drew Daywalt Illustrated by Benson Shum
I am not sure how I didn’t know about this book until today - but how cool! This book was created by famous children’s authors and illustrators and is offered completely for free. You can download it. They will also send you a high resolution version that you can print. So if you’d like to have a copy (Spanish or English) to use with kids in the hospital, your own family, or someone you know the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles will send it to you with permission to print (just no resale!) Anyway, this book tells the story of a cute juice box who gets squished. He goes to the hospital for help including juice transfusions, a new straw, and physical therapy to stretch back up. Though playful, this book takes on several common experiences including x-rays, IVs, waiting for a transplant, anesthesia, and an extended hospital stay. This book also includes interactions with PT, nurses, doctors, child life specialists, and the hospital librarian. The book is well-written with easy to understand descriptions and analogies (although depending on the developmental level, adults might need to help kids understand the analogies). This book is great for young children through middle school.
For more information, links to download, and requests for the printable copy:
www.chla.org/literal
Mi visita al doctor (Spanish translation of 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/49c2OnH
¿Cómo sería ser médico? (Spanish translation of What Do Doctors Do?) by Sarah Hull
This book is a great one for older kids. It explains many aspects of the hospital, not just want doctors do. The book explains “rounds” which I think is important for those who haven’t spent time in hospitals. It also explains many kinds of x-rays and other procedures using radiation. Lastly, it helps kids understand that doctors are like detectives trying to figure out the right things that will help a body, meaning they don’t always have the answer right away. This is another book that I am adding the Spanish version before the English, but you can bet that the English one will be added very soon. Great educational book for ages 7-14.
https://amzn.to/4suZonv
Preparándome para mi vista al medico: Un libro sobre ir al médico para niños
(Spanish translation of Getting Ready for My Doctor’s Visit) by Fei Zheng-Ward
This author (and doctor) has written many books to prepare kids for various procedures. I have reviewed them before and usually find them beneficial (although my possibly-biased opinion thinks they could use a child life specialist’s touch). Regardless, if you are looking for Spanish resources to amp up your preparation materials, you may find these helpful. See the links to many of the Spanish translations below. If you are an English speaking hospital worker, I suggest looking at the English version first to make sure the details fit your facility. All of her resources are available with Kindle Unlimited for free (there is a free 30 day trial). You can also read descriptions of many of them in previous blogs of mine.
Getting Ready for My Doctor’s Visit: https://amzn.to/4aP3GQo
…Heart Surgery: https://amzn.to/4qLGNSG
…Tonsil surgery:https://amzn.to/4jtVKGt
…Android surgery: https://amzn.to/4qN9bnr
…Surgery: https://amzn.to/4qHcIUb
…Eye Surgery: https://amzn.to/3LyKeNm
…Dentist Visit: https://amzn.to/4jw7kRh
Los gérmenes no son para compartir/Germs Are Not for Sharing by Elizabeth Verdick
This is a fairly simple book that reinforces the importance of hand washing and covering your cough or sneeze. The book talks about what germs are and states that they can make you sick- which is why they are not for sharing. The book gives examples of when to wash your hands. In general the book doesn’t have a lot of extra fluff, making it clear and easy to understand. This book would be good for a classroom or a child working on these important skills. Good for young children through early elementary. This book includes both the English and Spanish on the same page. Great for a NICU entry packet, playroom, or education during isolation season!
Easy-to-clean board book: https://amzn.to/3YsrulG
Nuestro nuevo bebé en la UCIN (Spanish translation of Our New Baby in the NICU) by Laura Camerona
As a child life specialist, I created this book to support young NICU siblings. Our Baby in the NICU was thoughtfully-written to explain different aspects of the NICU and to support common feelings for younger children. The book simply explains where the baby is staying, who is taking care of them, and when they will come home. The book also highlights the important role of being a NICU sibling and what it might be like when the baby comes home. This book has colorful inclusive illustrations. They do not represent one race, culture, or family. This book would be great for any NICU siblings ages 2-9.
https://amzn.to/4aOhElo
