What Medicine Can Do

PreS-Gr 2–With humor and the health concerns of three young animal friends (a raccoon, a fox, and a baby fox), Balkan explains simply that sickness is part of life, freaking out over illness is not helpful, and using the right medicine is part of a logical, analytical process. Teaming up again with Lot, with whom she created What a Map Can Do and whose art has a Keith Haring high energy vibe, Balkan shows how to remain calm and understand what is happening when someone doesn’t feel well. She introduces children to the idea of a symptom check, a systematic way of isolating and talking about the things on the body that are, and aren’t, a problem, and when to get help from an adult or health professional to determine the best medicine. Lot’s delightful illustrations capture the emotions of the young animals as they move from concern, to confusion and fear and anger, to eventual relief because the right medicine was selected. Throughout, Balkan demystifies medicine and provides brief reminders to young readers of why medicine is important: “Medicine can help you heal,” “Medicine can keep you from getting sick,” “Medicine can make you more comfortable.” A glossary offers detailed explanations of all the terms used.