This book gently explains CPR and what to do when you are a kid (yell for help.) It covers the basics like what an AED is, what chest compressions are, and the importance of getting help right away. Overall, the child in the story had the "heebie-jeebies" when his grandpa collapsed, but then felt empowered after learning more.

The artwork is simple and puts the focus on the emergency, not the images. I can see this book being used to teach kids, but not as a book that would be read over and over unless it is in a classroom setting where it is read annually.

The lesson is to not be afraid, but to call for help after checking breathing and pulse. When someone falls to the ground as if asleep, there are things that can be done by trained adults called CPR.
I wish that the most frightening thing to witness, when this happens to a teammate at game, had been addressed as well as that of a senior citizen.
The illustrations are clear, imaginative, colorful.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school or your local public library.
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Amplify Publishing | Mascot Kids via NetGalley. Thank you!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book for free in exchange for my review! All opinions are my own.

While this book might be too scary for the youngest of readers, this is a highly important book for adults to read to children. Children have amazing memories and reading this book to children might help them save a life by performing CPR. Highly recommend!



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This book was informative but not quite sure the appropriate age for the reader/listener. Some of the terminology was "cutesy" (i.e. bump bump bumps for pulse and heebie jeebies for scared.) It is geared toward helping children understand CPR when they see someone collapse (especially scary when it is a loved one). The golden kernel for a child should be to alert adults and call 911. If the child is alone with the patient suffering, there would be a whole other scenario which Dr. Scelfo doesn't address. Best takeaway is this book is just informative and not a manual, per se, on how a child should perform CPR. It may raise more questions within the child which an adult would have to address (Scelfo explains what CPR stands for but fails to explain the AED machine acronym; Doesn't explain what is happening within the body when a person is not breathing or there is no pulse)
I do like that a children's book has tackled this subject as a grandparent having a "spell" or falling asleep. It is a common occurrence in many a child's life.

What a great idea to help kids remain calm in an emergency and to call for help. As a Ski Patroller myself, I am always looking for new ways to teach my kids (and others) about medical emergencies. I thought the book was a bit inconsistent for what age group it’s for, I felt older kids would think calling the pulse the “bump bump bumps” would feel beneath them and younger kids would struggle with all the terminology used. I loved how the pictures displayed important details like what signs to look for when finding an AED.

Now I can think of a lot of different books (and chapters of junior sex guides) that could share this book's title, but this one concerns the child witnessing a medical emergency at the ball game, when his grandfather collapses. His dad has already ordered him and his siblings and cousins to have water with their dogs and to chew them often and slowly, so he's medically minded – but for the kid concerned the seemingly sleeping adult on the floor, the fuss, the shouting at police, the terms like CPR, AED and so on – they're only going to cause the heebie-jeebies.

I can see some use in this, but also wonder why it limits itself. And by that I know full well why it's not training a youngster in the use of a defibrillator. But it does seem to be focused more on the fact that a child's job is just 'step one – alert adults, step two – naff off', when, say, on a remote walk the stomach-pushing rhythm needed might be a life-saver. Is it worth these pages assuring a young reader that a prone adult getting care is doing that – getting care, when someone such as an epileptic is certainly not placidly prone on the floor, but a whole further scale of worry-inducing?

This, then, to the layman, seems to convey some specific assurance for some specific conditions only. But it pretends the weight will always be off junior shoulders until they're adult enough, and doesn't cover nearly all possible ways in which dad, or anyone else, may actually be in need of basic first aid. I'd certainly have welcomed the approach here on a much more comprehensive scale.

This would be such a great book to read to kids to give them a brief understanding of CPR. It is short but it gets all the necessary information out of the way. A great way to make a scary topic not so scary.

Lots of good information & illustrations to help children to process what actions may be taken in the course of a heart attack or accident. Would help children to understand what they may have witnessed after an event as well as preparing them for possible future occurrences.

i think this is a very important book about such a scary thing for a kid like seeing someone choking or unconscious and needing cpr or help, this explains things in a good way!

Such a cute book explaining a scary situation for kids. Going into detail about why and what adults are doing, especially in a situation where there’s no time to explain in the moment, is important for kids so that they can learn what to do if there is ever a situation like it again

This book tackles a crucial topic in a kid-friendly way. While the content is invaluable, the font choice may distract from the message at times. Nevertheless, the book's emphasis on CPR for children is vital, potentially life-saving knowledge. It's an essential addition to any child's library, providing valuable information in a digestible format. Despite font concerns, the book's significance in educating young readers about CPR cannot be overstated, making it a must-read for families everywhere.

The most important first; this is a correct description of CPR! In most books and films, hearts get started after a few seconds of CPR, and that will not happen. Always call 911!
As for the story, the start is an introduction to people we don't need to know, and I would rather see a better description of the heart and the need for oxygen to the brain.

This the thought provoking and important story of Julian and how one day his Grandpa fell down and didn’t get straight back up.

What an accessible and clever way to try and normalise a situation that any child could unfortunately go through. It is a unique and touching way to introduce children to the concept of CPR and when CPR may need to be administered.

Dr Peter Scelfo delivers this message in a thoughtful way so as not to alarm children but to instead inform them and turn them into little helpers.

In "What Is Dad Doing?" Dr. Peter Scelfo delivers a refreshing take on fatherhood, blending humor, insight, and heartfelt anecdotes to create a guidebook that is equal parts entertaining and enlightening. With wit and wisdom, Dr. Scelfo invites readers into the chaotic yet joyous world of parenthood, offering a candid glimpse into the highs and lows of raising children.

At its core, "What Is Dad Doing?" is a celebration of the imperfect, messy, and ultimately rewarding journey of fatherhood. Dr. Scelfo's writing is infused with a sense of warmth and authenticity, as he shares his own experiences as a father with honesty and humor. From diaper disasters to bedtime battles, he tackles the challenges of parenthood head-on, offering practical advice and words of encouragement along the way.

One of the book's greatest strengths lies in its relatability. Dr. Scelfo's anecdotes are both humorous and poignant, resonating with readers of all ages and backgrounds. Whether recounting the joys of bonding with his children or the struggles of balancing work and family life, he captures the universal truths of parenthood with sensitivity and grace.

Moreover, "What Is Dad Doing?" is impeccably researched, drawing on Dr. Scelfo's background as a pediatrician to provide valuable insights into child development and behavior. From tips on soothing a fussy baby to strategies for handling tantrums, he offers practical advice that is grounded in science and experience.

That being said, some readers may find themselves wishing for a bit more diversity in the perspectives presented within the book. While Dr. Scelfo's own experiences are undoubtedly valuable, there is room for a more inclusive exploration of fatherhood that encompasses a broader range of voices and experiences.

In conclusion, "What Is Dad Doing?" is a delightful read that is sure to resonate with parents and caregivers alike. Dr. Peter Scelfo's blend of humor, heart, and expertise makes for an engaging and informative book that offers both practical guidance and emotional support for anyone navigating the wild and wonderful world of parenthood. Whether you're a new dad or a seasoned parent, this book is sure to leave you laughing, nodding in recognition, and feeling a little less alone on the journey of fatherhood.