Book Recommendation for Preschooler Having Surgery

Curious George Goes to the Hospital

M

Check with the hospital. When my son had surgery a few years ago they gave us a coloring book to go through with him.
And good luck with the whole ordeal.

Franklin goes to the Hospital. (or something like that - he has a cracked shell and has to be brave and have surgery and stay overnight)
Richard Scarry has a story and also a cartoon on youtube about going to get your tonsils out. It's called A Big Operation I think.

I don't have a book recommendation, but my daughter had some minor surgery when she had just turned 5. I found it best to be honest with her ahead of time. I tried to be upbeat and matter of fact without trying to worry her. I was sure to convey that the doctor and nurses would take good care of her and we'd be there afterward when she woke up. We discussed how they were going to give her something to breathe into that would put her to sleep for a short time and she wouldn't feel anything. Because we did this ahead of time, she wasn't at all scared and literally took the nurse's hand and walked into the operating room without us.

There was another child getting similar surgery that day and his parents hadn't told him he was having surgery AT ALL beforehand. We could hear that boy screaming and crying all the way down the hall. It was terrible for him. That taught me that honesty with a bit of sugar coating always works for medical procedures. Good luck.

Call your local children's hospital and ask for the 'Child Life Specialist'. S/he should be able to recommend some books. Our son had open heart surgery and they gave him a copy of one about a girl going in for heart surgery.

Ask the children's librarian at you library.

We like Franklin goes to the hospital

Curious George goes to the Hospital is cute and pretty sure there is a Sesame Street book on the same topic. I would also ask the hospital because they may have their own. Some places even have preparation videos or offer pre-op tours. I would also ask to speak with a child life specialist. This is what I do for work and the job is focused on helping to prepare children and their families for the hospital experience in terms the child understands. The most important thing to do is to be honest and to keep it simple. I also suggest bringing a comfort item (stuffed animal, blankie) from home on the day of surgery. Make sure to check though that this is allowed. Some hospitals have strict policies as to what is allowed into the OR. I hope that helps. Good luck.