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CM . . . .
Volume VII Number 18 . . . . May 11, 2001
A master of non-fiction for children, the award-winning Swanson anticipates every question,
every reaction. A sidebar recurring with every procedure voices the fear, does it hurt? She
answers honestly, even when the answer is yes, thus ensuring her audience's trust for the future.
She keeps the content simple, focusing on the reason for and the steps to expect with each
procedure. When she does encounter the need for additional background, she uses concepts that
kids grasp easily. Reflexes are easy to understand, for example, once you know that your body is
"wired" with nerves, like your TV or fridge.
An assortment of curious assurances -- curious to grownups, that is -- demonstrates her
uncommon empathy with children. "But [x-rays] can't see any of your thoughts, feelings or
secrets," she says. And of taking blood, she reassures, "Don't worry: blood won't keep leaking
out, and your body soon makes more blood to replace what was removed." Swanson understands,
too, that fear diminishes with control, and supplies a sidebar entitled "Your Job" to give readers
an active role in each procedure.
A presentation made lively through colour, typography and layout takes the serious edge off a
topic of obvious significance to children. A double-page spread is given over to each procedure:
measuring height and weight; checking reflexes; examining eyes, ears, and throat; listening to
heart sounds; measuring blood pressure; drawing blood for tests; taking x-rays and giving
vaccinations.
Each topic is a mini-article, self-contained for easy access to whatever single topic is most
relevant. The real-life, full-colour photographs of the doctor in action allow children to find
comfort in the familiar. Once in their doctors' offices, children will recognize both the instruments
and the procedures from the book and should remember the smiling faces as well.
The set of mini-articles is flanked by a table of contents at one end, an index at the other. While a
table of contents alone seems sufficient for so short a book, including the index was a wise choice;
titles such as "Hugs that Help," or "A Lot in a Little" are catchy, but not necessarily explicit.
Together with some helpful in-text pronunciation guides for the more difficult words, these
elements make the book extremely easy for young readers to use. Parents, too, will find this book
useful. A short section for parents gives tips for making the prospect of a visit less scary. Only
one group has cause to complain, and they, only faint cause: for while the book has a bit too much
information for non-readers -- who probably need the most help -- their parents will still find the
book a remarkable resource.
Recommended.
Cora Lee, a Vancouver writer and editor, is also the BC regional officer for the Canadian
Children's Book Centre.
To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.
Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association.
Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice
is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without
permission.
Published by
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THIS ISSUE - May 11, 2001.
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What is it about a visit to the doctor that inspires such dread? For most
people, especially small children, it's the unknown, and Diane Swanson
doesn't lose sight of that for a minute. Her book, The Doctor and
You, is a reassuring look at typical procedures and instruments in the
doctor's office. Talking directly to her readers in a lively,
conversational style, Swanson soon downgrades the Big Visit to no big deal
at all.