Good-bye Tonsils! (Picture Puffin Books) [Mass Market Paperback]

Craig Hatkoff (Author), Juliana Hatkoff (Author), Marilyn Mets (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 17, 2004 | Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up | Series: Picture Puffin Books

There's only one way to make Juliana's nonstop sore throats go away, and that's to remove her tonsils. Dr. Ward and Juliana's parents help Juliana understand what will happen when she's in the hospital. By the time she has her surgery, she knows just what to expect. And when she returns to school, Juliana tells her friends, "The worst thing about having your tonsils out is that you can only do it once!"

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Juliana Lee Hatkoff and Craig Hatkoff tell youngsters what to expect in Good-Bye, Tonsils, illus. by Marilyn Mets. Beginning with the doctor's explanation of where tonsils are located in the mouth, the authors suggest books to prepare youngsters and a step-by-step list of the operation's proceedings, narrated by a girl patient. Despite the unpolished illustrations, this will be a valuable resource for parents of prospective patients.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Gr 2-4-Juliana has had a series of sore throats, and her doctor decides to remove her tonsils. She works up to the pending procedure by reading books and talking with a friend who has had multiple operations. The night before the ordeal, the family celebrates with a party. The authors work slowly through the day of the tonsillectomy, breaking down the schedule of events and acknowledging the child's fear. Readers follow her through recovery; she leaves the hospital in the afternoon and mends at home for a few days. The story ends on a high note with Juliana telling her friends about the experience, including the ice cream she was able to eat as well as being afraid. The authors include all the necessary information regarding a tonsillectomy in a comforting yet straightforward story. "A Note to Parents" lists basic guidelines for preparing a child for surgery. Mets's full-color illustrations aptly reflect the mood of the text. Most reassuring is the visual connection between Juliana and her father just before she undergoes anesthesia. Not as many children have their tonsils removed today as in the past, but this book is a good choice for those who face this experience.

Meghan R. Malone, Turner Free Library, Randolph, MA

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (June 17, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0142401331
• ISBN-13: 978-0142401330
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 9 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (39 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #57,244 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #33 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Health > Fiction
  • #60 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Health > Personal Hygiene
  • #83 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Family Life > New Experiences

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for Its Purpose!, November 17, 2001

By 

D. Salerni (Chester County, Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Good-Bye Tonsils! (Hardcover)

When I searched for kids books on tonsillectomies, I was surprised to have such a small selection. Luckily, this book more than met my need! My 4 1/2 year old daughter received the book last night, and has already asked for two readings and has "read it" to herself repeatedly. It provided the perfect experience for talking about her upcoming operation. She uses the pictures to identify questions she has and things she is worried about. I don't know if she will need an IV, but after looking at the one in the picture, I think she will be more than prepared to accept it. My daughter immediately identified with Juliana and is interested in the things Juliana did to get over her fears (talk to people who had their tonsils out, read books, play with doctor's masks). I think that I may now be required to provide a cake that says Goodbye Tonsils, just like on the cover, but that is a small enough price to pay for my daughter's peace of mind! The professional reviews criticize the quality of the pictures -- and I pooh-pooh this. The last thing this book needs is "artistic flair." The pictures are clear and detailed -- down to the medicine cup of cherry liquid (a sedative), the gas mask, and the IV. They are completely appropriate for the purpose of this book. If your small child is facing a tonsillectomy, I highly recommend that you purchase this book. And if you are an ENT, (or know one), I recommend this for your waiting room.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for preschoolers, November 15, 2001

By 

Susan W. (Natick, MA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Good-Bye Tonsils! (Hardcover)

I bought this book for my 3.5 year old. It covered all the details, including getting a bracelet, changing pj's, watching TV, doctors with masks, a very sore throat, how important it is to drink a lot, etc. She was thoroughly relaxed. We also had a Goodbye Tonsils party at her school, complete with a cake, like in the book. My daughter loved it, and it helped her say goodbye to her friends for a week. I was pretty impressed.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book!, March 14, 2002

By 

Aunt C (Colorado) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Good-Bye Tonsils! (Hardcover)

... [It] is a perfect book for a child facing a tosillectomy. My 5 year old nephew, a child with a tendency to internalize all his emotions, was actually able to talk about his upcoming operation without being reduced to tears after his mom read him this book. It is very straight forward, honest, and written from a child's perspective. I highly recommend this book to parents and ENT's everywhere!