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. ( )

SAMI THE MAGIC BEAR: A Trip to the Hospital! would be a good book for a child to read if they have an upcoming trip to the hospital or they have a friend in the hospital. It tells the story of Laurie who is very active and plays sports. But she gets sick with leukemia and goes to the hospital. After being in the hospital for a couple of months, she is cheered up when she gets a card and stuffed bear from her classmates. After a while Laurie gets very lonely. But when Sami the magical bear comes alive and talks to her she isn't lonely any more. Being sick was hard but she gets better and back to her old self. Having Sami with her through it all made it much easier for her.

This book explains leukemia and what it's like going to the doctor, getting tests and being in the hospital. Sami is a cute little magic bear that helps in telling the story in a way children can understand so they wouldn't be afraid if they ever have to go to the hospital. I found the illustrations helped keep my youngster's attention while reading to her.

I did receive a copy of this book from Murielle Bourdon but I am reviewing it on my own as I do with everything I read. Not because I was asked to. ( )