Otto Learns About his Medicine: A Story About Medication for Children (3rd edition) by Matthew Galvin, M.D.

Illustrated by Sandra Ferraro.32 p., Magination, 2007. When children have unusual difficulty paying attention in class, doing homework, thinking before they act, and sitting still, and those difficulties get in the way of their learning, they may have Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Such is the case for Otto, a young car. His teacher meets with his parents and refers them to a "special mechanic" (psychologist). Dr. Wheeler evaluates Otto and validates that his "motor does go too fast." She works with him to improve his attention and his relationships with other little cars, and works with his parents to help him at home.She also refers him to an additional "mechanic" (psychiatrist or behavioral pediatrician), Dr. Beemer, who prescribes medication for him. Dr. Beemer explains that the medicine won't make him sit still and follow the rules, but it will let him make the choices to do these things. He discusses side effects and their management. As the story ends, Otto is happy that he has caring parents and "mechanics" to help him. Although the car metaphor feels a little forced to me, it may appeal to many young children. Likewise, although the text strikes me as a bit long for children who have difficulty slowing down, it explains much about treatment in ways that children can understand. Children who have ADHD will realize that others have similar difficulties and that there are ways to cope. Ages 4-9