While this is a book for parents to read with their children, pediatricians would do well to stock it in their waiting rooms. Based on the premise that young children may be anxious or fearful when visiting a doctor because they don’t know what to expect, Swanson’s book presents explanations of the tools and procedures a child might encounter during such a visit. Tools discussed include a stethoscope, scale, reflex hammer, tongue depressor, three types of thermometer, an ophthalmoscope, an otoscope and blood pressure apparatus. Procedures include taking blood, having an X-ray, getting vaccinated, and getting a cast. People from a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds are shown in colour photos and in most cases, both doctor and patient are smiling.

Although some of the main text gives scientific explanations of body functions that are too difficult for young children to understand without the aid of diagrams, for the most part, the author jumps right in and deals with procedures featured on the spread. Probably of greatest significance for the child are two small sidebars found on each spread. One, entitled Your Job, gives a simple explanation of what the child needs to do while being examined, while the other sidebar gives a brief honest answer to the question of whether the procedure hurts.

In addition to an index at the back, there’s a page of helpful suggestions for parents before and after the visit to the doctor. These include encouraging their child to play with medical kits and using a stuffed toy for comfort during physical examinations.