Q: What inspired you to create Dream Along Anesthesia Adventures?

A: The inspiration for Dream Along Anesthesia Adventures began during my childhood when I was hospitalized with Kawasaki disease. It’s hard to forget the range of emotions I experienced while encountering various healthcare professionals across an unfamiliar environment, undergoing numerous tests, lab work, and exams. Fast forward decades later as I progressed through my medical training and became a board-certified anesthesiologist, the idea of writing a children’s book transformed into a reality as I continued to meet children and parents facing similar anxieties when it came to surgery and anesthesia.

I wanted to create a resource that transforms these daunting experiences into an unforgettable and timeless magical adventure, helping children feel safe and empowered. My goal is to provide both comfort and education, preparing families for what can be a stressful time. By incorporating visually vibrant illustrations across elements of magic and space travel with friends, I aimed to make the experience fun, engaging, and reassuring, allowing children to approach their hospital visits with comfort and peace.

Q: How is this book different from other children’s books on surgery or medical experiences?

A: What sets Dream Along Anesthesia Adventures apart is that it's not just about the medical procedure—it’s a beautifully illustrated, immersive journey into a whimsical world. Unlike other books that can feel clinical or factual, this story invites children to imagine themselves as brave space travelers. The high-quality illustrations are designed to inspire wonder and curiosity, helping kids see surgery as less intimidating. We also put great care into making sure the tone is uplifting and reassuring without glossing over important facts and details that are important to familiarize children with key equipment used for anesthesia such as the “space juice,” “space mask,” and the “balloon” that need patient and parental cooperation to help reduce preoperative anxiety (and/or subsequent trauma), facilitate smoother anesthesia induction and emergence, and decrease risk of adverse events such as emergence delirium and other potentially related events.

Q: Can you tell us about the artwork and how it enhances the story?

A: The artwork is what truly brings this book to life. It all started with my vision of the color ranges and style I had in mind, and working very closely with the storyboard artist to execute my vision with the initial important visual framework. We then carefully sifted through hundreds of illustrators to find someone whose style meshed with what I had in mind to draw a visually stunning yet emotionally supportive environment. Each page is vibrant and meticulously designed to reflect the magic of space travel while maintaining a soft, calming atmosphere. Careful attention and emphasis is placed on key anesthetic elements that require interaction with children in real time for surgery to breed familiarity in an organic manner that flows naturally with the story’s lullaby. From the colors to the character design, everything is thoughtfully crafted to draw children into a curious yet soothing journey. It’s not just a story; it’s a beautiful, carefully crafted, magical adventure they can get immersed in.

Q: What makes the quality of this book stand out compared to others?

A: We’ve gone above and beyond to ensure the highest production quality. The hardcover edition has a robust, professional finish that’s built to last. Our goal was to make sure this book feels like a treasure—a keepsake parents and kids will want to come back to over and over again. The pages are vibrant and glossy, which enhances the colors and makes the illustrations pop. And of course, the details, as previously highlighted, is carefully and intentionally thought out and delivered to emphasize the key moments that make the greatest impact on the child’s anesthetic and surgical journey.

Q: What do parents love most about this book?

A: Parents have told me that they appreciate how this book does more than just tell a story. It opens a conversation about anesthesia and surgery in a way that’s creative and approachable for children. The colorful illustrations capture kids' imaginations while the story provides a sense of calm. Many parents also value the attention to detail, from the character's emotions to the subtle cues in the art that reflect real-world experiences like putting on a mask, playing balloon blowing games, meeting the medical team, to going off to “sleep!” This combination of beauty and practicality is what makes Dream Along Anesthesia Adventures truly unique.

Q: How does Dream Along Anesthesia Adventures help children deal with the anxiety of surgery?

A: We designed this book with emotional well-being in mind. The storyline walks children through each step of the anesthesia process using relatable characters and magical metaphors. They learn about the mask, the balloon, the operating room, and the care they'll receive, but in a way that feels like a fun game and an adventure rather than something to fear. The illustrations and narrative are purposefully gentle and encouraging, helping to demystify the experience while keeping children engaged. We also include little moments of humor and joy, which can go a long way in making the experience less overwhelming.

Q: How did your experience as an anesthesiologist shape the book?

A: My experience helped me focus on what’s truly important for children and their families during a surgical procedure. I know the common fears and concerns that parents have, and I’ve seen firsthand how children react to unfamiliar environments. With this book, I aimed to answer those unspoken questions and ease those worries. The accuracy of the process—explained in a magical context—makes this book not only imaginative but also informative, so parents can trust that the content is both comforting and realistic. Using this book as a tool to reduce preoperative anxiety and breeding familiarity with the equipment the children will interact with directly impacts how the child is induced and emerge from anesthesia, all of which relate to potentially adverse postoperative events such as emergence delirium, increased pain sensitization, future anxiety and trauma for follow up surgeries.

Q: Why is the visual aesthetic so important for children?

A: Children are visual learners. The colors, shapes, and design elements in the illustrations are not just for decoration—they are carefully chosen to elicit feelings of wonder, calm, and joy. The use of space and fantasy elements makes a medical environment feel magical rather than scary. We wanted the aesthetics to invite children into the story, offering them an escape from fear while helping them process what’s happening in a gentle, creative way. The artwork is essential in creating that balance between education and adventure.

Q: How do you envision this book being used by parents and medical professionals?

A: I see this book being used as a tool by both parents and healthcare providers to prepare children for surgery in a positive, engaging way. Parents can read it to their child before surgery to explain what will happen in a non-threatening manner, while doctors and nurses can use it to familiarize kids with the process. The goal is to make the medical experience less abstract and scary, allowing children to approach their procedure with curiosity and confidence. I believe Dream Along Anesthesia Adventures bridges the gap between healthcare education and family storytime in a way that’s deeply meaningful.

Dream Along Anesthesia Adventures isn’t just another book about surgery—it’s a carefully crafted, visually stunning journey designed to educate, comfort, and inspire. Every aspect, from the artwork to the story’s flow, is built with the child’s emotional and visual experience in mind, making this book a standout choice for parents looking to ease their child’s anxiety in a creative and magical way!