SURGERY ON SUNDAY

A little girl feels nervous about undergoing minor surgery in this debut picture book.

Sunday, a small, pale-skinned girl with unkempt brown hair, is about to have surgery to fix a small tear in her eardrum. She’s worried but has ticked all the boxes on her checklist— everything from a packed bag to a “stomach in knots like a triple-tied shoelace.” At the hospital, she encounters unfamiliar procedures like wearing a plastic identity bracelet and getting an IV, but the nurse’s encouraging words help her to be brave. She also calms herself down with pleasant daydreams. After the operation, she’s tired and groggy for a while but soon feels like herself again, and hears better too. In her book, Harrison soothes fears by helping kids know what to expect before surgery. The story nicely balances Sunday’s anxiety with her humorous voice and active imagination. She’s encouraged to be brave but in a way that acknowledges her understandable nerves; adults are kind and reassuring. Also useful are a list of five rules for surgery, such as bringing a toy or other item, and several questions adults can use to help children talk through their fears. Crampton provides cheerful, appealingly detailed images in calming pastels that feature a diverse cast.

A friendly, useful, and nicely illustrated guide for kids facing surgery.