The Moose with Loose Poops (Dr. Hippo): Charlotte Cowan, M.D.

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: June 12, 2009

The Moose with Loose Poops

by Charlotte Cowan, M.D. (Author), Penelope Neal (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Hippocratic Press (January 25, 2009)

What to expect: Moose, Gastroenteritis, Doctor, Camping, Eduction

I’m not going to lie, I was a little hesitant to read a book with the title The Moose with Loose Poops (this actually surprised me, after all, I have no problem discussing bodily functions). Being hesitant quickly changed to being very curious. This is a book with a special purpose, to offer a child-friendly explanation of gastroenteritis — Dr. Cowan delivers this message ideally.

Miles, a four-year-old moose, comes down with a tummy ache, which leads to throwing up and diarrhea (loose poops). Miles takes a special trip to see Dr. Hippo, who offers up advice on the best medicine for gastroenteritis — fluids. It’s the creative plot that Dr. Cowan has developed around the medicinal details that makes this suitable for kids. You see, Miles has plans to go camping with his dad, which have to be postponed. There is, of course, a happy ending, which just may involve some camping. I loved learning this useful little ditty:

The Moose with Loose Poops is part of the Dr. Hippo Series, an adept collection of stories that cover some of the more common illnesses that children experience. The anthology includes: an elephant with an earache, a polar bear with a cold, a frog with a fever, and a giraffe with a sore throat. Included with the books is a separate laminated Parent Guide that tucks neatly inside the back cover. Getting Through Gastroenteritis, the coordinating Parent Guide to The Moose with Loose Poops, answers questions in a clear and concise format, such as:

• How will I know that my child has gastroenteritis?
• When should I worry/call the doctor?
• How can I help my child feel better?

With a child-friendly explanation, endearing illustrations, and the informative parent guide, The Moose with Loose Poops is a well rounded package that is both educational and enjoyable. This series should be in every pediatric clinic, and would certainly be a useful resource for parents to have access to in their local libraries.

Publisher’s synopsis: Four year old Miles develops a tummy ache while on a family picnic in Maine. His planned camping trip with Papa (complete with canoeing and fishing) is postponed when throwing up (oops!) and diarrhea (loose poops) develop. Mama, Papa and Lucy Moose take excellent care of Miles at home helped by their kindly pediatrician, Dr. Hippo. Of course, Miles recovers in time to camp with Papa under a special, star filled sky.

About the author: Dr. Charlotte Cowan is a board certified pediatrician and author of 5 medical children’s stories that entertain, educate, and reassure both parent and child.

For more information, visit: http://www.drhippo.com/

Add this book to your collection: The Moose with Loose Poops

Just in case you want to read more books about poops, take a look at Everyone Poops by Taro Gomi.