Maria’s Marvelous Bones

While playing with her little brother on the couch, Maria falls and breaks her arm. Her father rushes her to the hospital, where Maria meets the nurses, doctors, X-ray technician, orthopaedic surgeon and cast technician who are responsible for healing her fractured arm. Maria learns all about how her body works and how bones heal — plus a little bit about being brave. Written by Dr. Carrie Kollias, an orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in the treatment of children, Maria’s Marvelous Bones educates young readers about bones as well as about the diverse members of the healthcare team who work together to help heal injury.

Winner of the international 2019 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards competition for kids books:

1st place in STEM

1st place in Health

Dr. Carrie Kollias is an Orthopaedic Surgeon who specializes in the treatment of children.  Carrie is an award-winning children’s author and works as a consultant Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon at Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. She has two children and a helpful husband who listen to a lot of stories about bones.

“After an accident, a girl finds support, comfort, and care from kind medical staff in Kollias’ debut picture book…The author, an orthopedic surgeon, depicts medical processes using child-friendly language ..the story takes readers on a realistic journey, which concludes when Maria gets her cast removed. It also introduces educational elements, including anatomical terms… top-notch illustrations are charming and colorful, with diverse characters. They emphasize friendly faces, which will be particularly encouraging to young patients in similar circumstances… A wonderful resource to help prepare children for medical intervention after an injury.” – KIRKUS REVIEW

“Teach littles about fractures [and] orthopaedic work! Maria’s Marvelous Bones by COA member Carrie Kollias embraces gender and cultural diversity in healthcare. Congrats Dr. Kollias. Beautiful!”-  @CDNOrthoAssoc (Canadian Orthopaedic Association) via Twitter

“Written by a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, this picture book follows Maria and her journey to recovery when she breaks her arm. After Maria gets hurt playing on the couch with her brother, she must bravely wait her turn in the emergency room before undergoing a series of medical tests. Kind Dr. Mark teaches Maria about her fracture and sends her off in a bright green cast. Kollias writes accessibly, walking children through the emotions and sensations they may experience and the timeline of recovery while equipping them with pertinent vocabulary, including “IV line,” “x-ray,” and the names of several bones. Guile’s accompanying artwork is rendered in a soft, warmly colored style reminiscent of classic picture books; characters have small eyes and round faces in a range of skin colors. A welcome resource for parents and doctors, as well as a tenderness-infused assurance for any child with a broken bone.” – PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

“It is a gentle tale, encouraging and informative, without being frightening… Maria’s Marvelous Bones would be a useful addition to any family library…”- Lethbridge Herald