Maud is nervous about her visit to the doctor and wishes she could be a fish who doesn't have to see a doctor.

So, this book goes through a pretty typical experience most children have -- going to the doctor, having a physical, and getting a vaccination shot. It presents this fairly accurately, and even has a note for parents at the end about techniques to help children who are nervous about needles.

What I didn't like is that Maud is a koala and the doctor, receptionist, etc. are also anthropomorphic animals. But somehow fish in this world are just fish -- they don't talk, they don't see the doctor, etc. It seems that a story like this really would benefit from actual human characters.

The illustrations are mostly in a comic strip style, except for when Maud is imagining life as a fish, when the illustrations then take over the whole page spread. This was a clever way of showing that she was daydreaming. ( )

This is an interesting idea; easy readers that combine both story and a social-emotional lesson. In this story, Maud the koala is waiting to see Dr. Susan. She’s anxious and, looking at the fish in the aquarium, wishes she was a fish who didn’t have to visit the doctor. She tries to hide, but the moment arrives… Dr. Susan checks her out, and Maud is having fun, until it’s time for her vaccination. A shot! After some gentle discussion, Maud imagines herself as a fish, swimming in the ocean, blowing bubbles, and before she knows it the shot is over!

A final note to caregivers explains how to use visualization and blowing bubbles, real or imaginary, to help children deal with anxiety and pain when visiting the doctor.

The book is arranged in comic panels with a clear progression of events and the occasional speech bubbles. Most of the text is enclosed in small white boxes at the top of the panels. The illustrations are bright and cheerful and Maude’s face is expressive while the doctor is friendly and sympathetic. The text is a little advanced for a beginning reader, but would be readable with a fluent reader to help out.

Verdict: This is well-written enough to double as a story as well as a therapy tool. Recommended for general purchase and use as well as recommending to caregivers to handle fears at doctor visits.

ISBN: 9781524784430; Published April 2018 by Penguin Workshop; Review copy provided by the publisher; Donated to the library