WHAT MEDICINE CAN DO

What is medicine, and how can it help us when we feel “bahrumph”?

“Oh, blerg!” begins this funny and useful guide. A “very annoying, very itchy patch of skin” has left Raccoon feeling “prickly. And—ouchie!” “Who did this to me?” demands Raccoon. “Do I have an enemy? Who can I blame?!” Upon finding irritated red bumps on Raccoon’s leg, Great-Grand-Raccoon diagnoses the youngster with poison ivy. Though the rash isn’t dangerous, Raccoon imagines taking comical measures: “Do I need a new leg? Do I need to wear armor?” Happily, Raccoon just requires some medicine; Great-Grand-Raccoon also suggests a few other actions to provide comfort, like a cool bath. Raccoon’s pal Fox has more serious symptoms, and a friendly doctor diagnoses her with strep throat. Fox envisions options just as divertingly drastic before the doctor prescribes an antibiotic. Fox’s infant sister receives a vaccine, accurately and soothingly explained, and her baby babbles are amusingly translated for readers’ benefit. Later spreads show seven other ways to take medicine (among them pills and eyedrops) and four ways to stay healthy. Terms such as infection and germ are discussed in context and defined in a glossary. Lot’s cute cartoon characters in bright pastels add to the buoyant and reassuring atmosphere; Balkan’s accessible text offers basic information while taking away some of the scary unknowns involved with being sick.

Prescribed for young readers: this clear and appealing introduction to medical encounters.