Two of the toughest areas of life to explain to kids, especially young kids, are health and illness. Dr. Charlotte Cowan tackles this task with just the right touch of information and humor for kids and parents in her book, The Little Elephant with the Big Earache.

What I loved about the story was how realistic it was without being overwhelming - for parent or child. Dr. Cowan was able to capture the anxiety of both parent and child when an earache strikes and all the real life issues that accompany that situation but without freaking anyone out!

The medical information was presented simply and accurately - and with a very lovable and cute character, Dr. Hippo, who returns in Dr. Cowan's other books covering common medical issues children face. Plus, seeing in print what your own pediatrician has been telling you is very reassuring. While there will be some variations, Dr. Hippo's advice could have come from my lips or any of my colleauges.

Designed for ages 2-7, the book has great value for read-a-loud moments as well as early readers once they get to that stage. Older kids, tweens and teens, will enjoy reading this story to their younger siblings and relatives - and may even learn something new about ear infections. The parent guide that comes with the book is also perfect for older kids who want more information and includes some simple anatomic illustrations that go into more depth than the original story. For parents, this guide will really help pull the pieces together of what is happening beyond where the eye can see in their kids' ears.

This book is the first of a series of similar books that tackle some of the common childhood health complaints we all face with our kids. It would make a great addition to any family's book library - and in fact, likely should given how few books on the market for kids actually cover these topics in a way kids of so many ages can grasp.

As parents, we have to remember that illness happens to our kids and is beyond their control. Helping them understand illness when they are well, will make the situation far less daunting and overwhelming. Plus, books like this introduce kids to the concept that books have multiple purposes: education, fun, and family time. Not too often a book for young children accomplishes all those goals in one - and can be extended to the entire family!

You can learn more about Dr. Cowan, the Hippocratic Press and the philosophy behind her books at her website.

The game sells for $13.46 at
Amazon.com as well as most other national book distributors.

My Final 2cents: