By Alexandra Matkevich, Registered Nurse
Children learn a lot through play, and reading books together can help your child feel more comfortable about going to hospital for surgery for the first time. I have put together a list of books that are suitable to read together. Many of these books about surgery are available online or on e-readers.
“KoKo Bears Big Earache: Preparing Your Child for Ear Tube Surgery” by Vikki Lansky
This book is about KoKo the bear who wakes at night with an earache. His parents take care of him and take him to Dr. Polar. Dr Polar looks into KoKo’s ears and sees that they are very sore and he will need to have surgery to place tubes into his ears. This is a great book for parents of children who are having grommets to read aloud. Children can learn about going to hospital to have grommet (ear tube) surgery and parents can learn too.
“Tubes in My Ears” by Virginia Dooley
Dooley’s is another story book about going to hospital to have grommets surgery. This book however is about a young African American boy who is going for surgery. This book is about his experience and it suitable for children going for a day surgery procedure.
“Usborne First Experiences: Going to the Hospital” by Anne Civardi and Michelle Bates
Usborne have made another story book for children who are going for ear surgery. There is also a companion sticker and activity book which can provide children a chance to play and interact while learning about going to hospital for grommets surgery.
“Franklin goes to the Hospital” by Paulette Bourgeois
I know when I was younger, Franklin was a popular character. He is a sweet, young turtle and in this adventure, he cracks his shell and needs to go to hospital to get it fixed. The story goes through diagnositic procedures, meeting the doctor and going for surgery. Though it is not specifically about an ENT procedure, it is a good overall story book that can be read aloud or by an older child.
For more information about your child’s upcoming surgery with us or to make an appointment to see an ENT specialist for children and adults, contact us today.