Former pediatrician creates interactive children’s book
EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — A former pediatrician and his wife from Lackawanna County penned a children’s book and are now working to get it into the hands of children all to help improve literacy skills.
An area pediatrician, Dr. Melvyn Wolk who treated children for years is now using his creativity to help children.
With the help of his wife, the couple created an interactive children’s book. It’s a new twist on the ABC’s with added tips on health and wellness.
The book aims to not only help kids improve their literacy skills but also help reduce their fear of doctors.
Dr. Melvyn Wolk a former pediatrician from Clarks Summit put down his stethoscope and picked up a pen to write a children’s book with his wife, Marilyn.
The “Ill – Phabet ” is an interactive coloring book about the ABCs of minor illnesses. Every letter of the alphabet is associated with a health term and gives youngsters basic knowledge about staying healthy.
“It shows children and teaches children about illnesses they may have and how to deal with them and also a wellness session on some of the pages because wellness is important too,” said Dr. Wolk.
Verses are written in Seussical style and accompanied by creative artwork, “The Ill-Phabet ” an interactive coloring book for all ages. It’s also designed as a tool for parents to engage with their children, and to help reduce anxiety kids may have about going to the doctor.
“I think it’s so important to establish a good relationship between parents, child, and doctor and the big thing is fear, get rid of this fear. If the animals enjoy going to the doctor and are helped, why can’t you?” explained Dr. Wolk.
“If it’s too advanced for a small child it’s written also for a parent to read it to a child and to be able to interact with them at a time when they need that kind of interaction with a parent,” added Marilyn.
Not only does the book correlate animals with illnesses, but it also includes hands-on activities like fill-in-the-blank, and word search..dragons.
“The Ill-Phabet” is trying to teach you about health issues, as well as ABC’s and the fact that there are activities in there gives you something to do,” stated Marilyn.
The Wolk’s hope to get the book into the hands of as many local kids as possible.
They’ve already donated dozens of books to the Ronald Mcdonald House in Scranton and plan to distribute more throughout the Scranton School District all to help improve literacy.
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