What do anaesthetists do? How does anaesthesia work? What are the risks? Anaesthesia is a mysterious and sometimes threatening process. We spoke to anaesthetist and author Aidan O’Donnell, who addresses some of the common myths and thoughts surrounding anaesthesia.
On the science of anaesthesia:
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The pros and cons of pain relief in childbirth:
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Are anaesthetists heroes?
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Aidan O’Donnell is a consultant anaesthetist and medical writer with a special interest in anaesthesia for childbirth. He graduated from Edinburgh in 1996 and trained in Scotland and New Zealand. He now lives and works in New Zealand. He was admitted as a Fellow of the Royal College of Anaesthetists in 2002 and a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists in 2011. Anaesthesia: A Very Short Introduction is his first book. You can also read his blog post Propofol and the Death of Michael Jackson.
The Very Short Introductions (VSI) series combines a small format with authoritative analysis and big ideas for hundreds of topic areas. Written by our expert authors, these books can change the way you think about the things that interest you and are the perfect introduction to subjects you previously knew nothing about. Grow your knowledge with OUPblog and the VSI series every Friday!
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If you know a child who loves to stop and watch trucks when they drive by, you absolutely need to get them a copy of Tons of Trucks (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2012), a new picture book by Sue Fliess and Betsy Snyder.
This sturdy book lets small truck enthusiasts learn about different types of trucks and see what the do. Then, they can pull and lift the tabs and flaps to see the trucks in action. It holds up well to repeated readings and has a catchy, rhyming text.
Today’s reviewer, Aidan, is definitely the target market for this book, and he and his dad had a lot of fun reading the book together.
Take it away, Aidan!
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Today’s reviewer: Aidan
Age: 3.5
I like: Fire trucks. Monster trucks. Mixer trucks and trains. Cheese. Playing at parks. And, I like doggies, too.
This book was about: Trucks and animals.
The best part was when: Pulling the monster truck up and then seeing the party on the back of the fire truck.
I laughed when: I saw the party on the back of the fire truck.
I was worried when: There’s nothing to worry about. But, why is there a motorbike on the car transporter. That’s silly.
This book taught me: Tar is sticky.
Other kids reading this book should watch for: All the pully, spinny, up-and-down things.
Three words that best describe this book: “Trucks.” “Pulling.” “Fun.”
My favorite line or phrase in this book is: “Honk! Go fast trucks.”
You should read this book because: You can read it and play it, too!
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Thank you, Aidan!
If you’d like to learn more about author Sue Fliess, you can visit this website. Or read this interview about Tons of Trucks and her writing journey.
If you’d like to learn more about illustrator Betsy Snyder, you can visit her website. Or read this interview about another book she created.
And, if you have a favorite truck story, share it in the comments.
Almost everyone likes a day at the beach. And this is the perfect time of year to forget the snow and the cold and think of sand between your toes.
If you’re looking for a picture book to help you do just that, check out A Beach Tail (Boyds Mills, 2010) by Karen Lynn Williams and Floyd Cooper.
The book tells the simple story of Gregory and dad spending a day at the beach. Gregory uses a stick to draw a lion in the sand. When his dad suggests he add a tail, Gregory does, and it turns out to be the longest tail a lion every had.
In fact, Gregory gets so caught up in drawing the tail that he gives himself a tour of the beach and temporarily loses sight of his father. (Although he does discover a purple jellyfish, a horseshoe crab, a ghost crab and a jetty.)
But when he needs to find him again, he just follows the tail back to his lion — and his dad.
Today’s guest reviewer: Aidan
Age: 7
Things I like: Playing chess, reading and playing sports like basketball.
This book was about: A boy named Gregory drawing a lion in the sand.
The best part was when: Gregory passed all the animals while he was drawing the tail.
I laughed when: Gregory made a funny face.
I was worried that: He wouldn’t find his dad.
I was surprised when: The water splashed up by the jetty.
This book taught me: To never leave a lion.
Three words that best describe this book are: “Gregory.” “Dad.” “Lion.”
My favorite pictures in this book were: The horseshoe crab and the jellyfish.
Other kids reading this book should know: You shouldn’t leave your dad.
You should read this book because: It has a lion in it.
Thanks, Aidan!
Karen Lynn and Floyd both have lots of books — and awards – to their credit. Floyd won the 2009 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award and Karen Lynn’s book have been named to several notable books list. The two have even worked together before — 20 years ago — on the picture book When Africa Was Home.
You can learn more about Karen Lynn Williams by visiting her website or reading her blog.
You can learn more about Floyd Cooper by visiting this website. Or read this interview at The Brown Bookshelf.
If you’d like to see what others had to say about this book, read these reviews:
I have set a new record! Latest-in-the-day Linked Up ever!
(I think I need some new personal goals…so if anyone has recommendations…)
5-year-old Aidan is amazing. But he has leukemia and is selling his art to help pay for treatment. Buy his art on Etsy. [tip from SirMitchell]
Are any of you fans of “The Room?” If so, you’re welcome. [The Daily What]
I wish there was a way to make drinking coffee even easier OH WAIT THERE IS! [Yanko]
This cartoon is just…amazing. [New Yorker]
I love stop-motion film. I love Lite-Brites. So. This. [Flavorwire]
Will Smith’s daughter has a recommendation for you. Careful, this will be stuck in your head for days. [Willow]
Snakes on a plane? How ’bout a crocodile? [News AU]
Shameless self-promotional plug of the week…
Dear friends from middle-school, I will probably be buying these shoes and you can’t stop me. [hypebeast]
I just discovered that there is a University dedicated to providing “the highest quality training for the cannabis industry.” So, more on that Monday… [Oaksterdam]
