It’s Checkup Time! 7 Picture Books for Kids Afraid of the Doctor or Dentist

Splat the Cat goes to the Doctor, based on the creation of Rob Scotton
Splat the Cat is excited to check out of school early for a checkup at the doctor’s, until his friends start telling him about the things they’ve heard that happen there! Then, he’s nervous! But the doctor is super nice, and Splat the Cat discovers it’s not that big of a deal, after all. He even gets a sticker afterwards! Kids will like this cute book about what happens at a checkup.

Just Going to the Dentist, by Mercer Mayer
A great book for kids who haven’t ever been to the dentist before, Just Going to the Dentist demystifies the process and walks kids through each step, including what it’s like to get a cavity filled! From X-rays to the drill, it’s all covered in this book by Mercer Mayer, which will surely answer most of your kids’ questions.

Charlie the Ranch Dog: Charlie Goes to the Doctor, based on the Charlie the Ranch Dog books by Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman, and Diane deGroat
Poor Charlie is feeling so bad that he can’t even eat bacon, so his mama takes him to the doctor. While Charlie’s doctor is a vet, this is still a fun book to read to your kids who might be nervous about their own doctor visit. When they see Charlie being brave, it will make them want to be brave, also. Plus, my son enjoys finding the cute chipmunk that appears throughout the book.

My Trip to the Hospital, by Mercer Mayer
Sometimes, kids have to go to the hospital. Accidents happen, and in this book, Little Critter gets hurt during a soccer game. He goes to the hospital in an ambulance and gets a cast and crutches. Your children will learn what to expect if something like that ever happens to them or one of their friends. A good book to read before or after a trip to the hospital.

 Curious George Visits the Dentist, by Margret & H.A. Rey, written by Monica Perez, illustrated in the style of H.A. Rey by Mary O’Keefe Young
As we all know, Curious George got his name for a reason, and it is no different in this book. He bites into a shiny red apple but soon learns it is not real after all! And now, his tooth is wiggly. Children will journey along with Curious George as he visits the dentist to find out why his tooth is loose and laugh at his antics while he’s at the office. The book also comes with teeth-related stickers and facts about teeth for curious kids! Entertaining and educational, it’s a win-win.

The Berenstain Bears Go to the Doctor, by Stan & Jan Berenstain
It’s time for Brother and Sister bears’ checkup, and they are not excited. In fact, they are worried! And Papa, who says he never gets sick, sure is sneezing a bunch. But they do a great job, even getting their shots, and it’s discovered that Papa actually is sick, after all! Kids will get a good step-by-step look at what happens during a checkup in this book.

Going to the Doctor, by Anne Civardi, Illustrated by Stephen Cartwright
The Jay family is going to the doctor. Jenny has a bad cough, and Jack has a hurt arm. And little Joey needs his shot. A good read to show different reasons we visit a doctor, from a checkup to an ouchie, and it shows how the kids are each treated, from a sling for Jack’s sprained wrist, to a prescription for Jenny’s cough, to Joey getting an immunization. It’s a busy day for the Jays at the doctor! Be sure to have the kids look for the yellow duck hiding on every page, too!
What books do you read to help ease your children’s fears of the doctor and dentist?