This book is a gem wrapped in kid-friendly storytelling. Nurse Florence®, What is Myelosuppression or Bone Marrow Suppression? follows three curious students, Jean, Condi, and Sonia, as they chat with the endlessly knowledgeable Nurse Florence over lunch. What begins as a casual question about oxygen in the blood leads to a full-on deep dive into the world of myelosuppression. In plain terms, this is when the bone marrow doesn’t produce enough blood cells. The book walks us through red and white blood cells, platelets, chemotherapy, infections, symptoms, and even viruses that can cause this condition all explained clearly, with a natural flow and inviting tone.

I didn’t expect to learn as much as I did from a book geared toward kids. But that’s what makes this one stand out. It doesn’t water anything down. It gives kids real medical terms, like “thrombocytopenia” and “neutropenia,” and explains them without a hint of condescension. I especially appreciated the breakdown about neutropenia and how it doesn’t show symptoms directly, but increases the risk of infections. The illustrations help, too. There’s a diagram of bone marrow cells and red blood cells that makes a complex concept click in seconds.

The book strikes a thoughtful balance between delivering medical information and acknowledging the human experience behind the facts. When Nurse Florence explains that anemia can cause a person to feel as though they cannot get enough air, described poignantly as “a desperate feeling,” the simplicity of the phrasing carries emotional weight. It conveys the seriousness of the symptom without overwhelming the reader. Similarly, the discussion around persistent bruising and uncontrolled bleeding highlights the potential severity of the condition, particularly from a child’s perspective. Despite these heavy topics, the book maintains a reassuring and steady tone, offering clarity without inducing fear.

The dialogue leans into a more polished, purposeful tone, clearly reflecting the author’s intent to model positive behaviors and ideas. When one of the characters says, “I love washing my hands. It’s relaxing,” it might not mirror typical kid-speak, but it does reinforce healthy habits in a gentle, memorable way. This approach works well in a book that’s ultimately doing something remarkable: encouraging children to engage with complex health topics in a way that’s both accessible and empowering.

I’d recommend Nurse Florence®, What is Myelosuppression or Bone Marrow Suppression? to parents, teachers, and caregivers who want to spark scientific curiosity in kids. It’s great for young readers who enjoy asking “why” a thousand times a day, and it’s perfect for adults to read along, too. The tone is casual and warm, the facts are spot-on, and the message is clear: understanding our bodies is powerful.

Pages: 128 | ASIN : 1304260356