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Books about the doctor

Books about Doctor Visits

Soothe a doctor-averse kid or inspire a future medical school student with these fun picture books.

Visits to the doctor can sometimes cause stress and anxiety for kids. Check out these books to ease your child’s fears, laugh in the waiting room, and help them discover what they might want to become someday.

I Want to Be a Doctor

by Laura Driscoll; illustrated by Catalina Echeverri (HarperCollins, 2018)

When a little boy’s brother falls off the top bunk and breaks his foot, the family visits the emergency room. The boy learns that there are doctors just for bones, but also many other types. “This title looks at specific positions in the field as opposed to the general look often represented in this genre,” says Warren Shanks, children’s librarian at Denver Public Library. “A glossary rounds out the book offering additional explanations about various careers.”

Open Wide, Tooth School Inside

by Laurie Keller (Square Fish, 2003)

Dr. Flossman starts “class” by taking attendance of all his “students”: All eight incisors, four canines, eight premolars, and 12 molars are present. The school day continues and Flossman teaches readers about care and components of teeth, with plenty of humorous details woven throughout.

Calling Dr. Zaza

by Mylo Freeman (Clavis Publishing, 2018)

Recommended by the Denver Public Library, this story follows Zaza, who gives her stuffed animal friends check-ups when they aren’t feeling up to playing. Young readers will get an idea of what to expect during a doctor’s visit, while getting inspiration for imaginary play at home.

You’re in Good Paws

by Maureen Fergus; illustrated by Kathryn Durst (Tundra Books, 2019)

Leo arrives at the hospital to get his tonsils taken out and finds it run by animals, in this story suggested by Boulder Public Library librarians. Kids will laugh at a variety of animals taking on human jobs, while learning that going to the hospital can be a positive experience.

Dr. Fauci

by Kate Messner; illustrated by Alexandra Bye (Simon and Schuster, 2021)

Before Dr. Anthony Fauci became the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, he was a curious boy from Brooklyn who delivered prescriptions for his father’s pharmacy. This true story documents Dr. Fauci’s childhood, education, and medical career marked by the values of curiosity, perseverance, and learning to get along with different kinds of people.

Peppa Loves Doctors and Nurses

by Lauren Holowaty; illustrated by EOne (Scholastic Inc., 2020)

Based on the Nick Jr! television show, Dr. Brown Bear and Nurse Fox visit Peppa Pig’s classrooms and teach the children all the ways they can stay healthy. The book comes with a handwashing poster you can hang up at home.


Librarians and book experts also recommend:


I Want to Be a Doctor: HarperCollins. Open Wide, Tooth School Inside: Macmillan. Calling Dr. Zaza: Clavis Publishing. You’re in Good Paws: Penguin Random House. Dr. Fauci: Simon and Schuster. Peppa Loves Doctors and Nurses: Scholastic Inc. Background: Kittichai Boonpong/EyeEm/Getty Images.

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