Peeper the little frog is very excited to go to the Picnic and Diving Contest, but his plans are ruined when his mother discovers that he has a fever and calls the doctor. Peeper is very disappointed that his mother and little sister Lily are going off to the picnic without him, but with some gentle care and company from his father he’ll soon be feeling better. And when his mother returns with the news that rain has postponed the Diving Contest, Peeper may still get a chance to win a ribbon after all.

Peeper’s parents work together to help him in this story, and it’s Peeper’s dad who stays home to care for him and cook dinner while Peeper’s mom takes his sister to the picnic. It’s a wonderful example of shared responsibilities for both children and adults alike, and shows how fathers as well as mothers can help to comfort a sick child. Like the other books in the Dr. Hippo Series, Peeper Has A Fever can also help children understand what is happening to them when they are sick and reduce their worry. It clearly explains some of the confusing things about having a fever, such as feeling too cold instead of too hot. There is also a guide for parents included as a separate booklet, Figuring Out Your Child’s Fever, with very sensible and helpful advice on dealing with fevers, which can often be confusing and disturbing to parents. The parent’s guide alone makes Peeper a good gift for new or expectant parents, including those adopting children older than infancy, since it contains guidelines for treating children of all ages. Review by Book Dads ( )