Kendra K. Ham spotlights children’s health books for National Book Lovers Day

Pediatrician and author Kendra K. Ham is marking National Book Lovers Day by highlighting her Medical Adventures with Dr. Andrea series, which uses story-driven books to help children and families talk about symptoms, diagnoses and care. The books and an activity companion are available on Amazon, with more information shared on Instagram.

Why it matters: - Kendra K. Ham’s books aim to make pediatric health education less intimidating for children. - The series gives families simple language to discuss symptoms, diagnoses and medical visits. - The books are positioned as tools for parents, educators and healthcare professionals who want to introduce health topics in a familiar format.

What happened: - Ham, a double board-certified pediatrician, educator and children’s author, highlighted her children’s book series for National Book Lovers Day, observed annually on Aug. 9. - The series, Medical Adventures with Dr. Andrea, includes A Violin in the Shed and Bell’s Policy. - An Instagram post is available here.

The details: - A Violin in the Shed follows Michelle after a mystery insect bite leads her to Dr. Andrea for answers about her symptoms. - The companion coloring and activity book extends the story into an interactive learning resource. - Bell’s Policy follows Kristopher, who struggles to perform impressions of his favorite trumpet player before learning he has a condition involving his nervous system. - Both stories are designed to help children understand medical care through characters, symptoms and diagnosis. - Ham is double board-certified in General Pediatrics and Child Abuse Pediatrics. - Ham serves on a Children’s Child Protection Team that includes four child advocacy centers and an inpatient consultation team. - Ham is an associate professor at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, where she teaches medical students, residents and other learners. - Ham graduated from the College of Charleston with dual degrees in Biology and Spanish. - Ham earned her medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. - A Violin in the Shed, Bell’s Policy and the companion coloring and activity book are available through Amazon.

Between the lines: - Ham’s clinical and academic background appears to shape the books’ focus on clear, child-friendly health communication. - The series blends literacy with pediatric medicine and child advocacy, which may broaden its use beyond home reading. - Story-based medical education can help children ask questions sooner and may reduce anxiety around doctor visits.

What's next: - The books remain available to families and caregivers through Amazon. - Ham is likely to continue using the series and related materials to support child health education. - The Instagram channel may be a place for future updates and audience engagement.