Whether your child needs to go to hospital, or they are visiting someone in hospital, or perhaps they are just really interested in hospitals, these children’s books about hospital are a great way for kids of all ages to learn more about what happens when you go to hospital.
When my kids were small they witnessed their father have a sudden and unexpected cardiac emergency. It was not an ideal situation having our four kids watch their father be resuscitated on our lounge room floor and then rushed off to hospital, so we worked quite hard in the months after to help them all process the experience and manage any fears or trauma.
Hospital dramatic play was very popular in our house for a while, and a fabulous way for all of the kids to work through their feelings about the emergency situation they experienced, and the subsequent weeks of their dad being in hospital and needing surgery.
You can read more about how great hospital play was for dealing with this trauma, and find some easy ideas for hospital play here.
Books about hospital were also another fabulous way to help our kids process the whole experience.
Books can be a wonderful, gentle source of information for kids, to help them understand a new or difficult situation. They are also a non-threatening way for kids to learn about and process the emotions and fears that may be associated with an experience or situation.
Children’s books about hospital are really great for kids who might need to visit the hospital for any reason, or if they have a family member or friend who is in hospital. They are also a great learning resource, and kids love learning about hospitals and all the people who work there.
Our Favourite Children's Books about Hospital
This list of books includes stories about children going to hospital, as well as books about loved ones being in hospital, and non-fiction books about hospitals and the people who work there.
Look Inside A Hospital
'Lift the flaps to find out what happens inside a hospital'
This is a great book that allows kids to explore and learn about all different parts of a hospital and the people who work there.
You're in Good Paws
'Slightly distracted parents accidentally take their son, Leo, to the animal hospital to get his tonsils out!'
This is a fun story but it also provides good information about what happens in a real hospital when a child needs surgery.
People who help us: At The Hospital
This fun, interactive, board book is perfect for very young children. It introduces some of the people who might work in a hospital in a fun, un-scary, way.
Mommy Has To Stay In Bed
This is a lovely story about how a mum who is on bed rest and a her daughter cope with the changes and find ways to have fun together.
S is for Surgery: A Kids Surgery Book from A - Z
This is a great book written by the parent of a child who has spent a lot of time in hospital. It's full of lots of information and activities to help kids aged 6+ understand and feel more comfortable about a hospital stay or surgery.
Going to the Hospital
This is a lovely little book that covers going to hospital to have tubes put in your ears. Perfect for beginning readers or as a read aloud book for preschoolers.
Hospital (First Time (Childs Play))
This is a great book for preschoolers that tells the story of going to the hospital for the first time.
Maisy Goes to the Hospital: A Maisy First Experience Book
Everyone loves a Maisy book and this one is great for kids who may have had an accident and need to go to the hospital.
Sometimes
This book is about a boy and his sister who is disabled and goes to hospital sometimes. It talks about some of the procedures the sister has to have and why she might not be feeling like playing or eating.
The Berenstain Bears: Hospital Friends
The Berenstain Bears are always lots of fun, but this book has lots of good information and learning opportunities for kids too.
Kevin Goes to the Hospital (The on My Way Books)
This is a lovely little book that talks directly about a child's worries and fears when he has to go to the hospital after an accident.
A Trip to the Hospital (Powerkids Readers: My Community)
This is a non-fiction book about kids who need to go to the hospital for a variety of reasons. It has good clear photos and lots of factual information.
Emma's Question
Emma has lots of questions about why here grandma is hospital. This book gently covers lots of questions that kids may have about a loved one being in hospital, illness and death.
Hi, My Name is Jack
This book talks about some of the feelings that may be experienced by healthy siblings of chronically ill, disabled or dying children. It is not illness specific and does not focus on the illness itself. and is a great resource for kids aged 4+
Awesome Ambulances (Amazing Machines)
This book is about ambulances not hospitals, but I've added it to the list because so often the two go hand in hand and this is a super fun rhyming book with great information too.
A Terrible Thing Happened
This book is not specifically about hospitals, but it is really helpful for kids who may have experienced a traumatic event of any kind. The story is about a racoon who has witnessed a terrible, but unnamed, thing. It talks about how he struggled with his feelings and how Ms Maple helped him.
Have you read any great children’s books about hospital?
Not only are books a great way to learn, they are also a great way for kids to prepare for, or process new or scary experiences. These 16 children’s books about hospital are all great options for helping kids learn more about what happens in hospital and feel more confident and comfortable if they need to visit.
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