Kirkus Reviews

Children sick and injured find the assistance they need. There's a relaxed atmosphere at this hospital, with little sense of urgency or need for immediate treatment. The exception to this is an introductory scene in the waiting room. "How long will we have to wait to see a doctor?" With a reassuring focus on minor ailments, the book allows youngsters to clearly communicate as they improve. Comfort from family and staff calms fears; parents play an active role during procedures. Due to the absence of quotation marks, distinguishing the voices in conversation can be a struggle, as dialogue sometimes seems to jump randomly. At times, the speech seems artificially formal. After waking from surgery, a girl asks, "I still feel very sleepy. Please may I have a drink?" Other series entries focus on similar experiences in unfamiliar locations (vet, dentist and doctor). There's nothing sterile in these spacious spreads; ethnically diverse cartoon characters interact within bright, welcoming backgrounds. Overall, the reassuring message does the job it sets out to do. (Board book. 3-5)