What's Inside and Ambulance

Children's Literature

Being at a hospital can be an adventure; getting there is quite another! This little book (7 1/4" x 7 1/4" inches and 32 pages) thoroughly examines an ambulance, describing its different components and how they are used on the way to the hospital. It starts off with two pages showing eight thumbnail pictures with short descriptions from within the book. The pictures are action based, showing a person being secured on a backboard, their arm being splinted, and their heartbeat and blood pressure being checked. The visual story will be absorbed by even very young children. Sentences are fairly simple and are presented in large, bold type. There are no more than five sentences in any two page spread. A glossary, called "Challenge Words," is placed at the conclusion, defining unfamiliar words or phrases that are highlighted throughout the book, such as "emergency medical technician," "cervical collar" and "backboard." Recommended. Part of the "Bookworms" leveled reading program that is designed to reinforce the skills of emergent, early and fluent readers. Other titles in the series include What's Inside a Firehouse, What's Inside a Hospital and What's Inside a Police Car? 2004, Benchmark Books/Marshall Cavendish, Ages 4 to 8.
—Cindy L. Carolan