Otto Learns about His Medicine: A Story about Medication for Children with ADHD [Hardcover]

Matthew R. Galvin (Author), Sandra Ferraro (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Aimed at younger children with ADHD, this extraordinarily popular book tells the story of a little car whose motor goes too fast. Try as he might, Otto just can't seem to stay on track, and this keeps getting h im into trouble at home and at school. Finally, Otto finds a special m echanic who helps him by prescribing the right medication. This cute, lively picture book teaches young children how and why their medicatio n can help them with their hyperactivity.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Otto is an ideal vehicle! -- California Association of Resource Specialist

The real test was our son, who thought it was terrific, the best. -- Chidlren and Adults with ADD, New York City chapter --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Magination Press; 3 edition (August 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1557987718
• ISBN-13: 978-1557987716
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #203,777 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Helps kids understand medication without fear or shame., May 19, 2001

By 

Carol Watkins "Psychiatrist" (Parkton, Maryland, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Otto Learns about His Medicine: A Story about Medication for Children with ADHD (Hardcover)

I keep a couple of copies of this book in my office. It uses humorous illustrations as well as concrete examples to help children understand why they need to take medication for AD/HD.

Otto, a young car, visits a special engine mechanic and receives an engine treatment to help him run at the right speed. The author uses this metaphor to explain the nature of AD/HD, and the process of getting a psychiatric evaluation. It suggests some good questions that the the child might want to ask about medication. I particularly liked the way the book discussed potential side effects and how it encouraged the child to discuss this with his or her doctor.

The book is aimed at elementary school children and some pre-schoolers.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good way to explain medication and therapy to kids, August 15, 2004

By 

Dr. Linda Donnelly "." (Southern Californian) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Otto Learns about His Medicine: A Story about Medication for Children with ADHD (Paperback)

I specialize in treating ADHD kids and this is one of the best books I have read that explains the process to children. It follows all the steps in the journey from diagnosis to treatment in a fantasy story about a young car who has a "motor that runs too fast". I will use it in my practice and will recommend it to the parents and children that I see with this disorder. I would highly recommend it.

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just What the Doctor Ordered, March 17, 2005

By 

Carri A. Hutson (Nebraska, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Otto Learns about His Medicine: A Story about Medication for Children with ADHD (Hardcover)

Shortly after my middle son was diagnosed and given his meds the daily struggle on how to get him to take them began. Adding them to food did no good because he wouldn't eat it. Trying to get him to swallow was impossible as he would clamp his jaws shut.

I bought this book and we read it many times and he began to understand why he needed to take his medicine. That was almost 3 years ago and there are times he reminds me it's time to take his meds.

We gave the book to his psychiatrist when we were done with it.