I’M GETTING A CHECKUP

Children’s doctors’ visits should receive a clean bill of health with this engaging and informational treatment. Direct narration clearly explains a typical well-child exam. The brief rhyming narrative is successfully complemented by boldfaced explanations that provide additional context, defining unfamiliar medical procedures and vocabulary. Describing blood pressure to booster shots, the consistent voice maintains its accessibility. Though rhymes are occasionally forced, the encouraging account maintains its energy throughout: “Her otoscope’s so cool— / a small light with a funnel. / We pretend she’s searching / for bats down in a tunnel!” Ethnically diverse patients and physicians populate each page. Positive family dynamics are represented in Milgrim’s soft cartoons, set against inviting office spaces. Digitally rendered oil spreads utilize nimble lines; characters’ smiling expressions add comfort and warmth to the potentially anxiety-producing subject. A silent group of mischievous rabbits provides humorous flair; they create hand-shadow ducks on the wall and throw paper airplanes, providing wacky relief within each examining room. Prescribe this child-centered offering to all nervous young patients. (author’s note) (Picture book. 3-6)