Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie Kingsley
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Playful, silly horror story reassures about doctor visits.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In TROUBLING TONSILS!, Charlie Marmot notices his throat feels funny—sometimes scratchy, sometimes sore—and learns his "troubling tonsils" need to be removed. Nervous at the doctor's office, Charlie decides he wants to save his infected tonsils and bring them to school in a jar. But at home in his room, spooky things start happening and Charlie wakes up in strange places, seeing strange things. On the day of his surgery, his doctor makes a startling discovery—but Charlie still enjoys his ice cream.
Is It Any Good?
With silly-horror scenes and playful, moody illustrations, young Charlie Marmot has a funny, entertaining way of reassuring young readers about doctors and medical procedures. Troubling Tonsils! tells a spooky story with humor and kindness, pairing common horror themes with everyday events like show and tell and school lunch. Aaron Reynold's light, engaging text and Peter Brown's comic art are a great primer for early readers to learn about a common childhood surgery, and parents can use it as a springboard for talking about emotions around health, doctors visits, and hospitals.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about a time they've been nervous at the doctor, like Charlie was in Troubling Tonsils!. What helped you through the situation?
How would you react if someone at your school brought their tonsils for show and tell?
What other scary-spooky books do you like?
How did Charlie's dad show compassion to him when he was scared? What's it like when someone shows you they really understand what you're going through?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Peter Brown
- Genre : Horror
- Topics : Adventures , Fantasy ( Ghosts ) , Friendship , Holidays ( Halloween )
- Character Strengths : Compassion
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : September 2, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 6 - 9
- Number of pages : 88
- Available on : Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : March 4, 2026
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