ABC DOCTOR

A straightforward alphabet book introduces each letter and pairs it with a medical term. Murphy features a wide range of medical terms—reviewed by an M.D.—ranging from “joint” to “otoscope,” and includes a short sentence or two of further explanation. While aiming to keep kids “staying healthy from A to Z,” letter pairings also include subjects like “hand hygiene” that gently encourage good health habits and succeed in not straying into didacticism. Funky, colorful mixed-media illustrations add texture and humor without diminishing the importance of the topics. Some readers may want to take an up-close look at the several imbedded illustrations, like the vintage anatomical diagrams. The illustrations also shed light on some of the routine practices of a check-up, and so for young readers nervous about doctor appointments, this text might just be the thing for what ails them. (Picture book. 4-7)