Written by Judy Young
Illustrated by Dana Sullivan
Published by Sleeping Bear Press, 2014
32 pages
Reviews
Kirkus Review: “In this latest outing for Digger and Daisy, the elder dog sister guides the younger dog brother through a visit to the doctor.
Young’s comradely canine siblings have a history of enjoying adventures together, but going to the doctor is a different order of things for one simple reason: Shots hurt, and doctors always seem to be waving around needles. However, in this early reader, Digger is under the weather… so a trip to the doctor is imperative. “I do not want to go,” Digger protests. “I will get a shot.” “You must be brave,” replies Daisy, which is easy to say when you are not on the receiving end. At the office, Digger doesn’t want to let the doctor do anything—take a look in his eyes, ears or mouth—so Daisy goes first. Digger has a cold, so he doesn’t need a shot. “But you do,” says the doctor. “Turn around, Daisy.” No good deed goes unpunished, though having someone to share it with is like that spoonful of sugar that helps the medicine go down. Sullivan’s artwork lends a hand, little bits of tropical fruit upon which to sprinkle the sugar.
Giving an inch in the sibling arena can yield a mile of returns, and Digger and Daisy are great role models. (Early Reader, 4-6)”
School Library Journal: “A pup wakes up one morning not feeling well. His older sister springs into action, toting poor Digger to the doctor’s office in a red wagon. He is afraid he will need a shot, though Daisy assures him that shots make you feel better and only hurt a little… The repetitive, very simple text will help emerging readers gain confidence, and the story deals with a common, relatable fear. The cartoon art is brightly colored and includes a few doggie jokes, e.g., a sign on the title page reading, “Paws for your flu shot!” After the situational and textual repetition, the twist at the end will give readers (especially younger siblings) a giggle. For general purchase, especially in libraries in which beginning readers are heavily used.”
Picture Book Depot: “An adorably realistic “I Am a Reader” book for grades K-1 that gives very young children an idea of why they may need to see a doctor, what a doctor’s office is like, and why getting a shot isn’t as bad as it seems. Ms. Young uses brevity to match her audience’s reading level, and repetition to build word recognition. Artist Dana Sullivan’s characters have big, round, kid-friendly faces and familiar scenarios that children see in everyday life to conjure smiles and even giggles. This book is great as part of a back-to-school package because young children often have to have shots before they can enter kindergarten or first grade. It is also great for starting discussions on how to express themselves when they’re not feeling well, and what it means when a child needs to go to the doctor. But beyond these things, it’s a great reminder of what it’s like to be a child, when even the smallest things seem big and all you need is your big brother or big sister to make your day sunny again.”
