Harry Goes to the Hospital: A Story for Children About What It's Like to Be in the Hospital

by M. S. Weber (Illustrator), Michael Weber (Illustrator)

Describes the experiences of a young boy after he is admitted to the hospital.

Genres: Picture Books, Hospitals

32 pages, Paperback

First published March 15, 2008

Reviews

[Suz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Indy, Master 5, has just had an operation. He is now recovering quite nicely. Prior admission mum thought she'd grab some books from work to try and help with this as we've not had an operation in our family before. Unfortunately I left this a little late and only a few arrived before I took my week off work. Indy semi-sat down for this one, he did his usual mucking around and faux kicking the book in his silly cheeky way. (I think he knows that I want him to be engaged so he does this to get to me I'd say). It's not silly kicking, kind of like a foot tap. Either that, or avoiding going to bed and making the story go longer.

Fast forward to the next day, operation day, two days ago. We were in the little room next to the theatre and all the lovely young doctors were chatting with us and checking details. They were very good.

Mum: "Indy, tell everyone about the books we've been reading" Indy: "I read a book about doctors" Mum: "But it was written by a Doctor so it was a bit boring". Oops. They just laughed.

Books like this are great of course, just not overly exciting. Perhaps a bit wordy and too long for youngsters. It still helped us get ready though.

[Booknerdreads Grace Main · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a great way to calm kids nerves about the hospital when they get sick! I resonated with it a lot as a kid who had long lasting medical issues.

[Eva-Marie Nevarez · Rating 2 out of 5]

This probably doesn't seem like the kind of book to read to a child who isn't sick but I like to bring different kinds of books to Julia so we end up reading a wide variety.
This is just a tad long-wided if you ask me. Julia was getting restless by the last quarter or so. I'd have to say it's better for kids slightly older, maybe 6-8 but then wouldn't it be slightly childish for that age group? I don't know. Julia is pretty mature for her age and she's always been above her age level with this sort of thing so I have to wonder if it isn't just the book.
Harry is portrayed realistically, worried about the needle, wanting his parents with him, etc. I think cutting out about half the book and condensing what happens would have made it much more appealing for a child.