Getting Ready for My Mom's Surgery

A Reassuring Book to Help Kids Understand Surgery, Prepare for Mom's Hospital Stay, and Cope With Recovery

Children - Picture Book
34 Pages
Reviewed on 10/27/2026
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Diana Lopez for Readers' Favorite

It can be confusing for children to learn that their mother needs surgery, as this means making some changes to the family’s routine. To discuss the topic with them and answer their questions, Fei Zheng-Ward shares Getting Ready for My Mom’s Surgery. The author explains the process from the moment Mom is still at home and needs to figure out what to pack for the hospital. The author then explains that doctors and nurses will take care of Mom to keep her safe and comfortable. She also talks about the time when the child stays at home or is cared for by someone else. Next, she describes what Mom’s return home will be like. She mentions that Mom may need more rest and might have a little less energy as she adjusts, so the child should help her if necessary.

I loved Fei Zheng-Ward’s writing style because she uses short sentences and clear, accessible language to explain a complex topic and cover the entire process. The book also includes simple activities and questions to help children reflect on what’s happening and address the emotions they might experience. She says it’s okay for them to feel sad, confused, or worried, even if they don’t know how to feel, because all reactions are natural. The tips are quite useful. For example, she explains that after surgery, Mom might feel tired, so children need to be patient while she recovers. In addition, the illustrations are cheerful, featuring expressive characters in friendly settings. Getting Ready for My Mom’s Surgery will teach children to believe in themselves and learn how they can help at home.