Good-Bye Tonsils!

Publishers Weekly

Juliana Lee Hatkoff and Craig Hatkoff tell youngsters what to expect in Good-Bye, Tonsils, illus. by Marilyn Mets. Beginning with the doctor's explanation of where tonsils are located in the mouth, the authors suggest books to prepare youngsters and a step-by-step list of the operation's proceedings, narrated by a girl patient. Despite the unpolished illustrations, this will be a valuable resource for parents of prospective patients. Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.

Children's Literature

Juliana Hatkoff was five when she had to have her tonsils out. Her father, Craig, suggested she write a journal to be published and she did just that in this wonderful story. Dr. Robert Ward of the New York Otolaryngology Institute writes the introduction. He gives a history of tonsillectomies and guidelines for families who are facing one. Then, we follow Juliana from her diagnosis, through the operation and recovery. The book is full of imagery that children can understand. Tonsils are described as "two little soldiers standing in the back of our throats to protect us by catching germs" and when they catch too many germs, have to be taken out. Juliana and her parents are smart about preparing for her hospitalization. She is a great guide with practical advice and creative ideas for those who have to face a similar situation. Juliana reads books about Curious George and Madeline and their trips to the hospital. A friend who has had three operations tells her about the "magic mask with magic gas" and hospital beds that go up and down. The eve of her operation is also her sister's first birthday, so the family celebrates with birthday and 'Good-bye Tonsils' cakes. This book grabs the reader from the very beginning because of the voice, the ingenuity and creativity of the family, and the specifics that make the story genuine and the solace that it provides is real, practical and usable. 2001, Viking,
— Susie Wilde

From The Critics

This book is a journal about five-year-old Juliana's experience with having her tonsils out. The story begins when she goes to see the doctor because she has a sore throat again. A few weeks later when she has another sore throat her parents and the doctor decide she needs to have her tonsils removed. Juliana has some fears, but by reading some books and talking to a friend who has had several operations, she is less apprehensive. Juliana is nervous the day of the operation, but all goes well and she comes home in the early afternoon and details her recovery. Children facing a tonsillectomy can find this story helpful and reassuring. 2001, Viking, $15.99. Ages 3 to 8. Reviewer: C. Henebry SOURCE: Parent Council, September 2001 (Vol. 9, No. 1)

School Library Journal

Gr 2-4-Juliana has had a series of sore throats, and her doctor decides to remove her tonsils. She works up to the pending procedure by reading books and talking with a friend who has had multiple operations. The night before the ordeal, the family celebrates with a party. The authors work slowly through the day of the tonsillectomy, breaking down the schedule of events and acknowledging the child's fear. Readers follow her through recovery; she leaves the hospital in the afternoon and mends at home for a few days. The story ends on a high note with Juliana telling her friends about the experience, including the ice cream she was able to eat as well as being afraid. The authors include all the necessary information regarding a tonsillectomy in a comforting yet straightforward story. "A Note to Parents" lists basic guidelines for preparing a child for surgery. Mets's full-color illustrations aptly reflect the mood of the text. Most reassuring is the visual connection between Juliana and her father just before she undergoes anesthesia. Not as many children have their tonsils removed today as in the past, but this book is a good choice for those who face this experience.-Meghan R. Malone, Turner Free Library, Randolph, MA Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

Juliana was a little scared when she found out she had to have her tonsils out, so her dad suggested she write a journal about it, and he helped. This is a child's-eye view of the process, presented with clarity and reassurance, in Juliana's voice, ranging from the sore throats that plagued her, the hospital visit and procedure, through the recovery period, and her return to school. Juliana doesn't flinch at explaining her fear, or at the discomfort involved. But she also tells about the books she read to prepare, talking with a friend who had several hospital stays, and even playing hospital with paper masks. She talks about intravenous tubes, and anesthesia, and even the little bracelet that spelled her name right. The computer-produced illustrations are warmer in both color and substance than such usually are. The figures are broadly drawn but have recognizable and slightly exaggerated features. There are winning details, like Juliana's blue bunny and her "Goodbye Tonsils" cake. The last line-"the worst thing about having your tonsils out is . . . that you can only do it once"-is a little off-putting, but the book has a place in comforting the thousands of children who have this procedure every year. (Picture book/nonfiction. 4-8)