Going To The Doctor

by Fred Rogers

Describes what a child can expect to see and do on a visit to the doctor's office.

Genres: Picture Books, Health, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 28, 1986

About the author

Fred McFeely Rogers was an American educator, minister, songwriter, and television host. Rogers was the host of the television show Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, in production from 1968 to 2001. Rogers was also an ordained Presbyterian minister.

Reviews

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose this book over newer picture books about going to the doctor because it had photographs rather than illustrations, and I wanted my 15 month old daughter to see what things might really look like at the doctor's office. Granted, these photos are very dated (obviously from the 80's) but I didn't think a 1 year old would notice and I had fun noticing little details. I had to paraphrase much of the text - it's better suited for ages 3-5.

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another one of Eva's favorites ...

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary:
Going to the Doctor is pretty much an explanation of everything that occurs during a Doctor’s visit. The book begins by explaining in what ways parents help their kids whether it’s: how to take care of themselves (what’s good to eat and wear) and how doctors can help others stay healthy. It portrays doctors as being ordinary just like everyone else, the only thing different is their knowledge to heal. It continues by describing what kinds of places doctor’s offices are in, what happens when you get to their office, and what kind of examinations that nurses and doctor will do on you. Most importantly it reassures that what doctors do are for your benefit and that its ok to be curious about what they are doing.

Theme:
The overall theme of Going to the Doctor is that it is ok to be scared of going to the doctor’s office but it doesn’t have to be. Doctors are always there to help you feel better inside and out.

Personal Connection:
When I read Going to the Doctor, I found myself reminiscing of all of the times I went to a doctor’s office and how that made me feel. I was more scared when I went to a specialists’ office and they said I had to do some sort of test like an MRI or a CT scan, which to a toddler sounded all so scary. Thanks to this book and people that explained things in the way that Mister Rogers explains it in this book made going to these doctor’s visits a lot less scary.

Recommendation:
I would most definitely recommend this book, because things like going to the doctor can be really scary. Children need someone or in this case this book, that will acknowledge these legitimate concerns and fears that they may have. I truly believe that this book written by Mister Rogers should be a staple in every child’s library, because it will help them navigate life experiences that they may find a little scary or just plain right concerning.

[Katie Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is no one better to guide a child through a new experience than Fred Rogers. We have loved his books about welcoming a new baby and using the potty, and this one, about visiting the doctor, is just as good. I wish I'd thought to share it with my two-year-old before her recent check-up.

[Amber]

1 copy available

[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

All that one could ask for in a book like this.