Digger and Daisy Go to the Doctor

Meet Digger and Daisy! They are brother and sister. These dogs like to explore their world and see new things. Sometimes they agree with each other. Sometimes they disagree. But no matter the situation, one thing always stays the same--their love and concern for each other. In playful, simple stories written especially for the K-1 audience, author Judy Young explores the dynamics and nuances of the sibling relationship. In Digger and Daisy Go to the Doctor, Digger feels unwell and Daisy takes him to the doctor. But the checkup doesn't go as Daisy had planned.

School Library Journal

A pup wakes up one morning not feeling well. His older sister springs into action, toting poor Digger to the doctor’s office in a red wagon. He is afraid he will need a shot, though Daisy assures him that shots make you feel better and only hurt a little. With her repeated coaxing and entreaties of “You must be brave,” Digger consents to have his eyes, ears, and mouth checked. The doctor concludes that he simply has a cold. His sister, however, is due for a shot. Suddenly sweating, Daisy says she doesn’t want one and now claims that they hurt. The final page shows an irritated Daisy being reminded that she told Digger that shots didn’t hurt much. The repetitive, very simple text will help emerging readers gain confidence, and the story deals with a common, relatable fear. The cartoon art is brightly colored and includes a few doggie jokes, e.g., a sign on the title page reading, “Paws for your flu shot!” After the situational and textual repetition, the twist at the end will give readers (especially younger siblings) a giggle. For general purchase, especially in libraries in which beginning readers are heavily used.

Kirkus Reviews

In this latest outing for Digger and Daisy, the elder dog sister guides the younger dog brother through a visit to the doctor.

Young’s comradely canine siblings have a history of enjoying adventures together, but going to the doctor is a different order of things for one simple reason: Shots hurt, and doctors always seem to be waving around needles. However, in this early reader, Digger is under the weather—“ ‘I do not feel good.’ Daisy looks at Digger. He does not look good”—so a trip to the doctor is imperative. “I do not want to go,” Digger protests. “I will get a shot.” “You must be brave,” replies Daisy, which is easy to say when you are not on the receiving end. At the office, Digger doesn’t want to let the doctor do anything—take a look in his eyes, ears or mouth—so Daisy goes first. Digger has a cold, so he doesn’t need a shot. “But you do,” says the doctor. “Turn around, Daisy.” No good deed goes unpunished, though having someone to share it with is like that spoonful of sugar that helps the medicine go down. Sullivan’s artwork lends a hand, little bits of tropical fruit upon which to sprinkle the sugar.

Giving an inch in the sibling arena can yield a mile of returns, and Digger and Daisy are great role models. (Early reader. 4-6)