The Moose with Loose Poops by Charlotte Cowan MD

Illustrated by Penelope Neal. 32 p., Hippocratic Press, 2009.

Vomiting and diarrhea can be frightening to children, especially when they don't understand what's happening. In this story, as four-year-old Miles the moose happily shares his excitement about an upcoming camping trip with his Papa, he finds himself not hungry, needing his special stuffed animal, and with a tummy ache that comes and goes. Suddenly, he throws up. His Mama explains that his tummy "emptied itself the wrong way," reassures him that he'll feel better soon, and takes him home to nap. The next day, he feels all better, but when he's out with Papa, he has diarrhea - which Papa anticipates when Miles describes his symptoms. Papa explains that Miles has "pooped out the germs that made [him] sick," and reminds him to wash his hands. He and Miles's sister assure him that everyone has had diarrhea at some time. They postpone the camping trip for a few days, and when they go, there are shooting stars. Dr. Cowan's language is wonderfully descriptive and kid-friendly; for example, Miles tells his Papa, "A waterfall's coming out of my bottom!" and there's a hand-washing song. The colorful illustrations reflect the active quality of children's lives. The book includes a separate guide for parents to coping with children's gastroenteritis. With empathy for both children's misery when they're sick and their enjoyment of special times with their families, this story gives kids the information and reassurance they need to cope with tummy bugs.

Ages: 2-7
Cultural Context: non-human