Sometimes
Written and Illustrated by: Rebecca Elliott
Published by: Lion Hudson (March 1, 2014)
Ages: 5 – 7 years old
Theme: friendship, support, empathy, caring
Opening Lines: Clemmie is the best sister. She plays cowboys. She has enormous hair. She makes me laugh and sometimes she stays in hospital.
Synopsis: Toby loves his big sister Clemmie. She always looks after him and he looks after her—no matter what. Toby knows his sister is very brave, but when she has to go to the hospital again, they both have to help each other face their fears. Together, they still find ways to have fun and make the hospital a much better place
Why I like this: It has that aww feeling. From the colourful popeyed round faces and cute expressions, so much is said in a few words. A little brother who adores his big sister understands that from time to time she has to go to hospital. He helps by playing doctors and nurses, jumps on her bed and eats the hospital food when she can’t. He joins in the games with other kids in the hospital and there is their comparison of fear – her with the needles and him with eating peas. Aww… yeah see, I knew you would feel that… Parents will love that children can see themselves in these situations and what a lovely way to show that hospital can also be fun. I only wish this book was around when I was little. I hated hospitals’, I was so scared, screaming and crying. Books like this would have calmed me.
Rebecca Elliott is the author and illustrator of Just Because and Zoo Girl. She has also illustrated several children’s books, including Jungle Tumble, Monkey Tumbles, My Nativity Jigsaw Book, and My Noah’s Ark Jigsaw Book
Resources/Findings: author’s website… http://www.rebeccaelliott.com/toby-and-clemmie
Preparing children for hospital stays… http://www.kidspot.com.au/preparing-your-child-for-a-visit-to-hospital/
The importance of play while in hospital for children… http://www.kidshealth.org.nz/your-child-hospital-importance-play
Both in the classroom and at home ask the children what they think would be some great items to take to hospital for a sibling who is having to stay for a few nights. Make a list or help them with making some gifts to take.
I’m always pleased to be able to bring you some more special books that have come my way and be able to share them with you and join other great writers over at Susanna’s Blog, where there are literally hundreds of book reviews to view. So pop over and visit the lovely author, Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and find the tab for Perfect Picture Books. Her blog is full of resources links and activities associated with books reviewed by many authors
Writer and Dreamer at work 
What a great subject for a picture book. I too loathed even the smell of hospitals. This looks such an adorable way of helping kids feel less fearful about these places.
You and me both Joanna. There is something about hospital smells… ugh! I think kids will love this one with friendship and companionship which helps any stay in hospital. Thanks Joanna.
I love Rebecca Elliott’s stories. Just Because is a favorite. I know that she has approached this story about hospital stays from a different perspective. It is a great way to ease the anxiety for kids about going to the hospital. I hated hospitals as a child. Could have benefited from a book like this.
Arr you and me too Pat. I would love to have had a book like this. I was always so scared of hospitals or doctors. This is such a cute book and beautifully depicted from a kids point of view. Thanks.
This book is sure to help a lot of children who fear hospitals. I don’t think I’ve ever seen this topic covered in picture books.
Imm. come to think of it I don’t think I have seen any others either. Only a dog who helps out at hospitals. It’s beautifully illustrated too. Thanks for stopping by Leslie.
This sounds like a much-needed book. Thanks for sharing!
thank you Gabi so glad you liked it. A very useful book indeed. Thanks for stopping by.
Knock on wood, we haven’t had to deal with hospital stays for our son. But I did as a kid. I hated them and found them scary, even as a teenager. Thanks for letting everyone know about this wonderful book!
Glad you haven’t had to for your son. Yes even as a teenager I was terrified of hospitals. Your very welcome Jilanne and thank you for stopping by.
Wonderful book, Diane…books that help kids overcome and deal with fears (like going to the hospital and/or being sick) are so very important. I’m happy to see this one!
Me too, Vivian. Glad you liked this one. And thank you so much for showcasing it on facebook. You are awesome! 🙂
Oh my, what a wonderful story idea. I really like books like this. Thanks for the review, definitely going to read it.
Your very welcome Keila. Thank you for dropping by.