Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie Kingsley
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Reassuring hospital story pairs fears with warmth.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
A girl cries nine times in THE HOSPITAL BOOK, not counting a few times that weren't really crying. When her parents bring her to the hospital and find out she has appendicitis, she needs immediate surgery. The hospital is intimidating and full of unknowns, and she has to endure tests, needles, and other scary things -- but she has some very caring doctors, nurses, and family by her side to help her through it.
Is It Any Good?
No two hospital experiences are the same, but this comforting story of one girl's appendectomy is filled with warmth, a little humor, and a message about courage while still feeling your feelings. The Hospital Book captures both the feeling of being overwhelmed and the calm that is possible when people surround you with support, information, and reassurance. There's a lovely moment when the girl gets a sticker for being brave and crying, because it's important to remember that we can cry and be brave at the same time.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about any time they've been scared of something they know is going to help them, like the girl in The Hospital Book. What did you do when you were scared at the doctor or dentist?
Do you know anyone who has had to stay at the hospital? What do you think it's like for someone to stay overnight?
What can you do to help other people who are scared?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Character Strengths : Courage
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Neal Porter Books
- Publication date : March 21, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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