Leo has to get his tonsils out and he's feeling very nervous about what to expect. When Mom and Dad miss the right door, Leo winds up at the Animal Hospital instead of the Children’s Hospital and is greeted by some very unusual health care aides, nurses, and doctors. Leo anxiety is soon eased when he learns that compassion and kindness are all around him and trips to the hospital are nothing to worry about whether you're a small boy, a long, green snake, or a young, blue rhino with a broken ankle.
You're in Good Paws walks the reader through every waking step of Leo's hospital visit with bright, cheerful illustrations and gentle, clear explanations of what to expect when a hospital visit is necessary. Author, Maureen Fergus has crafted a delightful story that is sure to go a long ways in making young children feel more comfortable and less fearful of the unknown when visiting the hospital. ( )

What a cute story to help children not be afraid of hospitals. Leo is having his tonsils out and his parents accidentally go to the animal hospital rather than the Children's Hospital. Here at the Animal Hospital admissions is taken care of by a chicken, the nurse is a cow, and the surgeon is a mouse. Leo seems to feel no fear because the animals are so gentle and caring. The illustrations are perfect for the story and I can honestly say I am anxious to hear how my granddaughter likes it since I am giving it to her for Christmas. She loves animals, so I'm sure she'll enjoy it too! ( )

You’re In Good Paws is the story of a boy named Leo who goes to the hospital to have his tonsils taken out. His parents take him for his surgery and enter not the Children’s Hospital but, by mistake, the Animal Hospital next door. Of course the hospital is not only For animals, but is Staffed by animals: the chicken at admissions, nurse Lorraine (a cow), Dr. Stan (a mouse), as are all the patients. The hospital is very well run, everything goes smoothly, and Leo is discharged the following day.

My first reaction to the book was mixed. A great premise (boy goes to animal hospital by mistake) but whose parents, with him the whole time, never seem to notice that there are no other humans there. Also the uneventful normalcy of his stay seemed to dash the slapstick happenings that I had originally envisioned.

Subsequent readings, however, including reading to a child, revealed strengths not obvious at first. The illustrations fit the book nicely. Humorous and reassuring, they detail every room in the hospital - from Admissions to Recovery- with delightful detail, offering many opportunities to point out interesting and funny observations such as Paw and Flipper Sanitizers on the walls, fire hydrant restroom signs, and The Chicken News Network (CNN) on TV.

In fact, the book is full of humor, not in the basic storyline of a competent and kind hospital staff providing Leo a positive experience (reassuring to a young child), but in the details; Leo must wear a plastic cone until he promises to “ not chew on your own leg “, a hilarious Health Information Form (Were you the runt of the litter?), or an anesthesiologist who is a sheep.

Finally, the book ends a few weeks later with Leo’s mother mistakenly taking him to Obedience School, rather than the Elementary School next door (sequel ?).

This is a good read aloud book, with interesting and fun details the more one looks. My audience, six and three years old, liked the book and have requested subsequent readings.

Follow-up comment: one month after the above review, both children continue to ask for this book every time I’m reading to them. Highly recommended. ( )

Cute, colorful artwork. Teaches children there's nothing to fear when needing to go to a doctor or hospital. A bit to long to be used as a bedtime story read, but it is an entertaining read. ( )

Silly premise but a creative story with very engaging and attractive illustrations. I enjoy reading books to my children which prompt discussions or teaching opportunities and this book has many of both of these. Examples: Do Leo's parents think he's a pet? Can animal doctors care for people?
This book would make a good addition to a home or classroom library. ( )