"SINGAPORE – KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) has launched a creative initiative to educate young children about medical conditions through en
“SINGAPORE – KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) has launched a creative initiative to educate young children about medical conditions through engaging storybooks. This programme aims to help children understand complex health issues while fostering empathy and awareness.
The idea emerged when a mother approached Dr Chong Kok Wee, head of the Allergy Service at KKH, seeking a children’s book to help her preschool daughter understand her severe cashew nut allergy. Determined to educate her daughter’s classmates about food allergies, the mother was surprised to find no local storybooks on this important subject.
At the same time, Dr Chong was reflecting on his own experiences. When a classmate of his son returned to school after cancer treatment, teachers organised sessions to help students understand the situation. This inspired him to think: what if storybooks could help children learn about medical conditions in an approachable way?
Seeing a gap in local children’s literature, Dr Chong collaborated with medical experts to develop the Baby Bear Paediatric Care Series, a collection of 12 illustrated storybooks aimed at children aged three to eight. The series, illustrated by artist Uma Bhojraj, introduces young readers to various health conditions, helping them understand complex topics with simplicity and care.
The storybooks are designed not only for children facing health challenges but also as educational tools for peers, teachers, and healthcare workers. Dr Chong hopes the series will promote understanding and reduce stigma by teaching children about conditions such as food allergies, asthma, cancer, and more.
The first book, Milly And The Milk Disaster, which tells the story of a monkey with a food allergy, was released in October 2024. Upcoming titles will cover topics like obesity, asthma, eczema, epilepsy, leukaemia, and dysmorphism (a condition affecting physical appearance).
By turning complicated medical topics into relatable stories, the Baby Bear Paediatric Care Series seeks to empower children with knowledge, compassion, and the ability to support peers with health challenges.”
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