When Molly Was in the Hospital: A Book for Brothers and Sisters of Hospitalized Children (Minimed Series : Volume 1) (Hardcover)

by Debbie Duncan (Author), Nina Ollikainen (Illustrator) "I remember when my sister, Molly, was in the hospital..." (more)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2?A sensitive and involving story about the experiences of a young girl, Anna, whose younger sister faces major surgery. Many concerns of the well child are addressed?anger at her parents' preoccupation with the ill toddler; fear that she somehow caused the illness; worries about catching it; and her loneliness when left behind with grandparents or neighbors. Anna takes part in the rehabilitation process?seeing Molly in the hospital, attending sessions for siblings, and participating in physical therapy. Realistic, full-page black-and-white pencil drawings are finely rendered and expressive, and effectively reflect the story's mood and events. The hospital details are few but cover the essentials both in text and pictures. The situations discussed can easily be expanded to cover readers' own experiences. This unique offering will be welcomed by stressed relatives who do not want to overlook the emotional needs of siblings during a difficult time.?Martha Gordon, formerly at South Salem Library, NY
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
A Book for Brothers & Sisters of Hospitalized Children.

Anna's little sister, Molly, has been very ill and had to have an operation. Anna tells us all about the experience from her point of view. Sensitive, insightful, heartwarming story. A support and comfort for siblings and those who love them. The story is moving and rings with authenticity, for author Debbie Duncan based it on her family's personal experiences. Artist Nina Ollikainen's beautiful black and white drawings are accurately detailed and capture the emotional atmosphere of Anna and Molly's tender relationship. (Ages 3 - 12)

Winner of 1995 Benjamin Franklin Award: Best Children's Picture Book

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Rayve Productions Inc; 1 edition (December 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1877810444
• ISBN-13: 978-1877810442
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #88,218 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb illustrations accompany a story for siblings, November 16, 2001

By	Carol Watkins "Psychiatrist" (Baltimore, MD United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This sensitive book describes the feelings of an older sibling and a family when a young child is hospitalized for a severe medical problem. It helps normalize the feelings that a sibling might have, and indicates that adults are available for support. The black and white drawings do a good job of being accurate, but still showing warmth and emotion.

This book is specifically aimed at children who are about four to eight years old. When one of my own children was hospitalized and had surgery, I thought of this book and brought it out for my other children.

This book tells the story of a young girl, whose baby sister is admitted into a hospital. The baby sister needs surgery, and the older girl is very unhappy. The older sister is initially angry at how Molly is getting all the attention. Later, she feels guilty and wonders if she somehow caused Molly's illness.

The author had a child who had a chronic condition and underwent surgery. She saw how her older children experienced the sibling's illness. The illustrator is a physician who left the clinical practice of medicine to pursue her artwork and to raise her own family. Her medical background may help account for the superb, sensitive illustrations.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book!, December 28, 1998

By A Customer

I'm 11 years old, and when my sister was in the hospital my mom bought me this book. It was like reading my own story in a real book! Like Anna, the main character, I felt sad, jealous, worried, and even angry at my sister. This book helped me to understand that other kids felt the same way. I also enjoyed the happy ending!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kind-hearted, intelligent, and such a delight., June 7, 1999

By A Customer

The moving story of Molly's illness and her family's loving, worried response informs children about what a hospitalization means. What's more, it validates the feelings that come when a loved one needs help. Duncan beautifully evokes the atmosphere of a hospital -- not just the physical place but the environment of caring professionals, friends, and family members who work together to get someone better. For kids who've experienced hospitalizations (their own or others) or who are trying to imagine what things are like at the hospital (whether or not someone they love is in the hospital now), this book rings equally clear and true. Brava!