Can You Make Me Better?

Author: Ann de Bode
Illustrator: Rien Broere
Publisher: Tulip Books Ltd

This story is about a little girl called Rosie with a heart problem who has to go into hospital for a major operation. The story begins as she arrives in hospital and is checked by a doctor (who reassures her that they will look after her there) and ends as she packs her bags to go home, after a long recovery period at the hospital. It is written in minimal, simple language that young children will understand.

Rosie is told she can take her favourite toys to hospital with her. She likes her big hospital bed. A slightly tearful Rosie has blood taken (this is shown in the illustration) and also has a pre-med injection in her bottom. After the operation (the vagueness of being under a general anaesthetic is shown with abstract floating spirals and objects in the picture), Rosie feels dizzy and she notices a big plaster on her chest, concealing a large scar. Teddy has a plaster too. As Rosie recovers from surgery, her blood pressure and temperature are checked every day, and her breathing is checked as she blows bubbles. Her scar sometimes hurts. She is weak and tired, and has lost her appetite, but she slowly begins to feel stronger. She makes a new friend and is allowed to get out of bed sometimes to go for a ride in a pushchair. She enjoys making pictures and seeing visitors, who bring her lots of presents. She has x-rays taken and the doctor listens to her heart, and decides she can go home. Rosie packs her bag and mum makes her a special chocolate cake.

Written in a clear, reassuring way, which doesn’t shy away from realism. While the text remains quite factual, the illustrator’s skill at conveying emotion has breathed life and personality into the character of Rosie. The doctor’s and nurse’s body language is very caring and nurturing, and although quite a few medical procedures shown are shown, these are not depicted in an alarming or insensitive way.

The messages we found in this book:

Acknowledgement:

Undergoing medical treatment can be distressing at times for children, and some aspects may be painful.
Rosie misses her home and family and there are moments when she finds it hard to be brave (particularly at night). At these times she’s comforted by her Mum, who is staying in hospital with her (albeit in a child-sized bed!)

Guidance:

Caring for a teddy or other toy can be comforting during a hospital stay (Rosie’s teddy does everything she does)
Mum explains that Rosie’s operation scar, which is shown in the illustration, will fade in time.
Hospital staff are kind and caring and will do their best to make you better and to make your stay as pleasant as possible

Hope & Inspiration:

There is no clear information on whether or not Rosie makes a full recovery, but the book ends on a positive note as she is considered well enough to go home.
Rosie shows real courage and copes well with her extensive medical treatment. She does show distress and fear, but she copes with it.
The nurse says how brave Rosie is, and the doctors say they are very proud of her.
Rosie also shows empathy to her mum, telling her not to worry about her as she is about to go in for her operation. She enjoys caring for her teddy.
The medical staff in the hospital are very caring, understanding and kind.