Leo Gets a Checkup

Praise

In this episode in the life of toddler Leo, younger brother to Lola (Lola Reads to Leo, 2012, etc.), his parents take him to the doctor’s office for a checkup. Leo, a brown boy with tightly curled hair, dressed in a onesie and holding onto a table, “is a big boy now.” His mother and father, who are exactly the same shade of brown, are in the background as Leo feeds himself, plays ball, sings, and dances. When it is time to go, he “puts his toys away” and gets “his blankie and Mister Seahorse.” Daddy packs a bag and brings him to the clinic, where Leo sits on the floor playing with Mister Seahorse while they wait for their turn. (This doctor evidently has a separate well-child waiting room, as every soul in the diverse gathering is smiling happily—there’s not a runny nose in sight.) When it is Leo’s turn, he shows his doctor, a white woman, “what he can do now.” He gets a sticker and a book and gets checked all over. He even continues smiling while he gets his shot, which “will keep him healthy.” The rounded features and shining, rosy cheeks of the invariably smiling characters make for a pleasant trip with Leo through his safe and welcoming world. A helpful way to prepare toddlers for a visit to the doctor with a character who’s easy to love.
—Kirkus Reviews

 The little brother from the “Lola Reads” series goes on another adventure—this time to the doctor for a checkup. Since his debut in Leo Loves Baby Time, the toddler has gotten bigger and can now drink from a cup and eat by himself. Leo brings his blanket and stuffed seahorse to the clinic and plays as he waits his turn with the doctor. Leo’s father accompanies him into the examination room where the doctor checks his height, weight, eyes, and ears: “Thump! Thump! Leo’s heart sounds great.” Leo is also given an immunization that will keep him healthy. This book will work well to ease the stress that medical appointments can cause very young children. Leo leaves the doctor happy, healthy, and with a sticker and new book to take home. Colorful, cartoon illustrations will allow very young children to identify with Leo, as well as the other characters in the book (mother, father, doctor). While it is not a board book, the thick, sturdy pages and a hardcover with rounded edges make it a toddler-friendly choice VERDICT Recommended for purchase for the toddler shelf of any picture book collection.—School Library Journal