*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 who broke her arm 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.
Mayo Clinic Press Kids creates empowering health and wellness content in partnership with pediatric experts. Proceeds from the sale of every book go to benefit important medical research and education at Mayo Clinic.
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 a broken (or fractured) bone and the process of diagnosing and treating their condition, all through the eyes of adorable facility dog Lumos.
We see Lumos demonstrating how to drink medicine (don't worry... his 'dose' is only water!), get an X-ray and have a plaster cast fitted (a bandage for Lumos), to reassure young Izzy who has fractured her arm. We also see cameos from Dash and Cricket, involving a story about an escaped hamster and more of Cricket and Lumos' cute mutual crush, and Lumos takes Greta for a wheel/walk in her wheelchair to practice her racing skills.
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 broken bones and the process of treating them. Child readers will relate to Izzy's wariness of yucky-tasting medicine and her fear about missing important life events (her dance recital) as a result of her injury.
Along the way we also get some insight into the life of a therapy dog, meeting Lumos's toy mouse comforter Squeaky and his handler Eun Ji, and seeing his (reciprocated) crush on fellow facility dog Cricket!
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 Izzy about her broken arm and treatment, a few words from Lumos about his 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:
Minishine: I like all three of these books, but I think that Lumos is my favourite of the dogs, because he reminds me of our dog a bit, even though he's a bit bigger and looks a bit different. I liked the whole plot because Lumos was, like, the smartest dog and he had a crush on Cricket and she had a crush on him too!
Babybows: I really liked Lumos too, even though Dash was my favourite, and I like how in all of them the dogs help people to be less scared so they can get better at the hospital. It's good how each dog is cute but also how each patient has a different illness so it's more exciting and you learn more.
Minishine: In this book Izzy has a plaster cast that's pink and glittery. I would have white or light blue because then people can write on it easily.
Babybows: I wouldn't want a cool colour because I wouldn't want to look too cool so then everyone would want one and break their bones!
Minishine: I wish they did the same books but for things like autism or ADHD too, so people can learn more about them and not feel anxious about it. And I wish they had a facility dog at the hospital when I had to go there. I wonder if Lumos and Cricket ever get together for a doggie date?! [swoons dreamily].
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)!
No comments:
Post a Comment