Vicky Goes to the Doctor

PreS-Gr 1—Vicky, who lives in Nigeria and is about four years old, doesn't want to play or draw with her friends. She won't eat, and when her father feels her forehead, he realizes that she has a fever, so her mother gets Vicky ready to see the doctor. They wait for a taxi that never arrives and then walk to the doctor's office. The actual visit is short but will be fairly comforting to children who might be nervous about seeing a doctor. There's a brief exam and no shots or medication. Vicky seems to be suffering from a mild ailment, and by the next day she is feeling better. The text is very brief—not more than two sentences per page—and reassuring. "Vicky is a little scared, but her mother gives her a big hug." Full-color photos on every page make readers feel that they are right there with Vicky as she goes through her day, finally feeling better and playing with her friends. This comforting look at a common experience also provides a glimpse at life in another country and is easy enough for beginning readers.—Susan E. Murray, formerly at Glendale Public Library, AZ