*I received a free copy of this book, with thanks to the author, Mayo Clinic Press and Kelly Lacey of Love Books Tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
Blurb: This inviting chapter book series explores health topics through the friendly lens of therapy dogs.
Follow an adorable therapy dog helping a child through a diagnosis of epilepsy with strong messages of empathy, kindness, and courage.
Therapy dogs are specially trained to help kids through medical experiences—from lifting spirits, motivating movement, modelling the power of play, and more.
Nonfiction back matter provides more information about medical topics introduced in the books, from acute to chronic issues, while also providing more information about therapy dog programs and the Mayo Clinic Children's Center.
This short chapter book is written in simple, explanatory language that is easy for children to understand and follow, and the pictures are both super-cute and informative, helping to illustrate (literally!) the procedures under discussion.
In this book, we find out about what can happen when a child has seizures and the process of diagnosing and treating their condition, all through the eyes of adorable facility dog Cricket.
We see Cricket getting a pretend blood test, EEG and MRI to help explain the process to young Braden and to reassure him that there is nothing to be afraid of. She also plays doggie basketball with Braden, takes Emily (with her legs in braces) for a little therapeutic walk and has some snuggly comfort-nap time with Braden and Samantha (who is feeling sick from her treatments).
With the dog's-eye view and calm, positive explanations, the book helps to clear up any doubts, fears and embarrassments that children (or their parents) may feel about seizures and the process of treating them. Child readers will relate to Braden's dismay about his bladder accidents during his seizures and his fear on missing important life events (basketball practice) as a result of his condition.
Along the way we also get some insight into the life of a therapy dog, meeting Cricket's toy moose comforter Ralph and her handler Tunde, and seeing her crush on fellow facility dog Lumos!
The author has taken a health situation that is sensitive, upsetting and frightening for children and carers and presented it in a clear, age-appropriate and reassuring way. At the end of the story there is some more information from Braden about his epilepsy and treatment, a few words from Cricket about her role in the hospital, and then an introduction to Alicia - a real-life Mayo Clinic facility dog.
I whole-heartedly recommend this whole series of books as a great resource for GPs, hospitals, schools and parents.
Here are Minishine (10) and Babybows (7) thoughts:
Babybows: I like Cricket and I like that she was helping lots of children in need! I think that if I had a seizure and then I read this book... or you read it to me... then I might feel better because I would know all about it and not be as scared as if I didn't know.
Minishine: [a little cautiously] I don't know... it was a little sad and scary reading about children being poorly and having to be in hospital, but I did really like Cricket and the pictures were really cute.
Babybows: And I learned something new, cos I didn't know that dogs could have seizures just like people, like Cricket's neighbour, Sarge!
Minishine: I loved how they let Emily walk Cricket with her walker and how happy the parents were when Cricket helped their children and cheered them up. I know that dogs are really good at helping when you feel sad or scared because our dog, Murphy, always licks my face and makes me giggle!
About the author
Pat McCaw, M.D., is a family practice physician passionate about using books to help children with emotional and health issues. She teaches classes on how to use picture books in the classroom and writes online educational lessons on science and physiology.
Website: https://patmccawauthor.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MccawPat
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patmccawauthor/
Beth Hughes is an illustrator and concept artist. She loves telling stories and using art to get those stories out. Her work credits include children's books, mural designs, concept art, and character design work for animation.
Don't forget to check out the other blog stops on the tour for more great reviews and content (see the poster below for details)!
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