When Bryn's Ear Went Quiet
Written by: Nancy Hundal
Published by: Owlkids Books
“The narrative captures both Bryn’s nervousness (personified as a “squirrel rac[ing] in my stomach when I thought about the operation”) and courage; Hundal normalizes the medical procedures without glossing over the strangeness of the experience. Rooney’s illustrations complement the reassuring tone with soft, textured images in a warm palette—yellow and peachy hospital walls, toasty lemon sunshine, soothing blues and greens. The art style is childlike and approachable, with rounded figures and expressive faces that convey emotion without overwhelming young readers. Sound is cleverly visualized through concentric circles radiating from birds, voices, and Bryn’s ears. ” —Kirkus
This positive, evocative story gently uses a child’s perspective to capture the experience of going to the hospital to have cochlear implant surgery, and all the emotions that go along with it.
