Gabrielle Balkan
Have the itchy symptoms of poison ivy ever made you feel blerg? Ever wondered what happens when an Argentinosaurus drops a Number Two? Curious about what the cauldron ingredient “eye of newt” really is? If so, you and the fact-lover Gabrielle Balkan have GOT to talk. Gabe writes award-winning illustrated non-fiction that delights readers ages 0-10 with curious facts about dinosaurs, medicine, witches, the USA, and lots more. When she’s not puzzling over how to explain complex topics to readers, Gabe loves visiting classrooms and brainstorming with kids. Visit her at [www.gabriellebalkan.com](https://www.gabriellebalkan.com) and @gabriellebalkan.
What Medicine Can Do
Uh-oh—Raccoon feels blerg and ick. Read along as he and his friends do symptom checks, get examined, get diagnoses, and each, in turn, get the treatment they need, from medicines ranging from anti-itch lotion available over-the-counter to those that require a prescription, such as an antibiotic for strep throat and an early-childhood vaccine. “Balkan demystifies medicine and provides brief reminders to young readers of why medicine is important: “Medicine can help you heal;” “Medicine can keep you from getting sick.” VERDICT A must-have book for educators and libraries about the importance of medicine.” — School Library Journal, Starred Review