Kevin Goes to the Hospital

PreS-K—Kevin is playing outside when he trips and falls, landing on his head. His mother comforts him, then takes him to the hospital. The boy's bandaged up (so is his stuffed bear), and he stays at the hospital. The length of Kevin's recuperation is not stated, and Slegers keeps the details vague enough that the story can be used for any child who might face an extended hospital stay. However, it might worry young readers who think that any fall might land them in the hospital indefinitely. The tale is told from Kevin's point of view, so it feels very immediate. He mentions the fun things-yummy treats, visits from friends and family, cards and presents-and doesn't talk about the unpleasant factors, like medicine, X-rays, or shots. Slegers's childlike artwork is attractive and keeps the narrative relatable. The illustrations are done in bright primary colors, which stand out because of a heavy black line, and are placed against simple backgrounds surrounded by a frame of white space. Part of a series that deals with family life and childhood issues, this book will help fill a niche, but parents should be prepared to answer questions after reading.—Susan E. Murray, formerly at Glendale Public Library, AZ