The Little Elephant with the Big Earache
Little Eddie elephant is excited when his cousins arrive to help him celebrate his birthday. He and his cousin Sam have a surprise that’s sure to win them first prize in the party’s mud castle contest. But Eddie’s fun is interrupted when he gets an earache. Eddie expresses his reluctance about visiting a doctor and his fear of being too sick to attend his party—but once in the office, Dr. Hippo helps Eddie relax and feel comfortable. Children experienced with earaches will identify with Eddie and may find comfort in the knowledge that they are not alone.
Author Cowan is a pediatrician and faculty member at Harvard Medical School; this is the first title in a four book series aimed aimed at educating parents and children about common childhood illnesses. Garvin has illustrated more than thirty books including the Little Bear series and another series of craft books for children.
The story’s glossy illustrations are lively with detail. The dirt and ground pebbles are three-dimensional, and interior graphics include family photos, kitchen utensils, and stocked cabinets, providing that lived-in feeling. The doctor’s office even displays a framed license on the wall. Bright primary colors are used abundantly and enhanced by secondary colors throughout.
Little Eddie’s story will delight children, and parents will find the pullout Q&A card informative. The purse-sized card includes instructions about what to do if a child develops symptoms of an ear infection: when to consult a physician, and what to expect during the doctor visit. Also included is a close-up diagram of the middle ear cavity with captions.
Reviewed by
Angela Black
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
