Customer Reviews

The Little Elephant with the Big Earache (Dr. Hippo)

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Little Elephant with a Big Earache is a wonderfully comforting educational story written about a not so wonderful and very uncomfortable malady which afflicts many millions of children. While ear infections are common, health books written to provide educational comfort to our uncomfortable young children are not. The "Little Elephant" helps to fill this Children's Health Education void by providing educational comfort to children and parents, who together, must deal with the painful consequence of ear infections. In the future, I hope to read more children's health books written by Dr. Cowan. From a public health education perspective, "The Little Elephant" is a quantum leap in the right direction. Thanks!

Dr. Cowan gets the dosage just right. Parents AND their kids learn how to cope with the ever-present earache, in the most delightful way!

My 3-year-old daughter, who is almost never sick, and my 7-year-old son, who has frequent ear infections, both love this story. Although the plot line is simple and straightforward, they seem attracted to its familiarity: Eddie wakes in the middle of the night feeling sick; his mother comforts him; they go to the doctor; he feels better...just like real life, in their view. They also find the pictures extremely engaging. At first glance, the illustrations attract merely with their bright colors and whimsy, but upon further readings, the kids began to notice all the smaller details: the various ages and sizes of the party guests, the giraffes enjoying an outdoor fountain, the placement of the blue ribbon at the end. Almost all kids experience earaches, and almost all parents learn to cope with them; this book provides a soothing reflection of one of childhood's most common events. My kids are looking forward to reading more books by Dr. Cowan.

There are so many great messages in this book which are very reassuring and instructive for parents of young children. Doctor Cowan points out through her lovable animal characters that staying calm, contacting the pediatrician at the proper time, and giving more attention to a sick child is a huge part of helping them to get better. Children are comforted by the happy ending, the colorful illustrations, as well as the thoughtful demeanors of a caring parent and a delightful physician. I think that Doctor Hippocrates' wonderful bedside manner could even be inspirational for some health care professionals who may not always know how to speak to younger patients. I loved the idea of butterflies in the ears!
I wish Dr. Cowan's books had come out when my children were little but I have ordered this book for some of my smaller friends and I am adding French subtitles to one of my copies before giving it to our pediatrician for her waiting room in the Paris suburbs. Keep up the good work Doctor Cowan and please think about publishing in foreign languages!

I'm so pleased to read this book in support of non-antibiotic treatment of ear aches. Excellent book for kids and adults alike. Let's hope all our pediatricians consider Dr. Cowan's opinion and share it with parents by putting it in all their waiting rooms!

What a lovely (and loving) story. It is beautifully illustrated and presents a reassuring tale for those who have ear infections. We enjoyed reading it together.

This is a comforting story that will appeal to both parents and children. It offers sound advice to caregivers and reassurance to the sick child. Should be on every new parents' book shelf.

What a delightful story! What parent hasn't had a child wake in the middle of the night sick--what to do? Beautiful illustrations, a warm and compelling tale about an elephant who gets an earache right before his big birthday party. Lessons are learned for both children listening to the story and parents reading the story. As a pediatrician, I especially like the sound advice covered in the book in a very unobtrusive yet instructive manner. Health education without the fuss! Great choice for parents, health educators, daycare providers, and clinicians.

A children's book with great animal characters that will help your child understand why it's helpfull to go to the doctor when we feel sick.

Eddie the elephant is excited that his birthday party is coming up. But a few days before the big event, his ear starts to hurt and he can't sleep.

Eddie needs to visit Dr. Hippo, and he's scared. But Dr. Hippo is gentle and kind, and soon determines what's causing the pain in Eddie's ear. Eddie receives the proper treatment, and gets well quickly enough to celebrate his birthday and participate in the mud sculpture contest.

The Little Elephant With the Big Earache is adorably illustrated by Elaine Garvin, and also includes a guide for parents in understanding ear infections and how they're treated. I highly recommend this cute and informative story for all families with young children.

Reviewer: Alice Berger, Bergers Book Reviews