Sami the Magic Bear: A Trip to the Hospital!: (Full-Color Edition): 3

In this children’s book, adult things are talked about. Many of us would like if we didn’t have to talk about these things to kids, but the reality is that it has become quite important. In this tale, a young girl, Laurie, has leukemia and has to go to the hospital. Luckily, there is a bear, Sami, that helps her get through the harrowing ordeal and makes her believe in herself once again. He also talks to her and becomes a friend in her loneliest moments. I found the tale absolutely heartbreaking, but also pretty believable, especially throughout the beginning and middle. I recommend reading this with your kids if they know someone that is going through any type of cancer, so they can understand a bit more about what is going on. The overall message is hopeful and positive, which is something that everyone needs most of the time, whether they are going through major problems or not.

The book of: Sami the magic bear tells the story of a teddy bear who helps Laurie (a young 7-year-old girl suffering from leukemia) fight and overcome her illness. The story follows her as she falls ill, her time in the hospital and ultimately her triumph and resumption of normal life afterwards. I was thinking this story would have more pictures honestly. It was also a little too mature for my 4-year-old. She loves all things doctoral and is interested in hospitals and doctors. However, her attention started wandering towards the end of the book. I did like that it helps explain in simple terms, what leukemia is so that a child might understand it. I also liked that this book walked you through the things that might be scary and unfamiliar to a young child like hospitals, everyone in gowns and masks. I think this is a good book, but the subject matter is more suited to older kids.

Laurie is a young girl who is very active. She has trouble sitting still in class after she finishes her work. She is captain of her soccer team. One day she doesn’t feel as energetic. She gets so sick she can’t go to school. Her mom takes her to the doctor and they discover she has leukemia, a blood cancer. She ends up in the hospital for a long time. Her class makes her a giant card and a gift. Sami the bear. She is so tired she just wants to give up. Can Sami help her learn to fight? Great message of never giving up. It is a lesson kids need to learn whether they are fighting an illness or fighting to learn something new.