Red Visits the Hospital
Meet the spotty-tailed squirrel turning hospital anxiety into adventure!
Acclaimed children’s illustrator and author Ross Collins has created a wonderful new book, Red Visits the Hospital, to support children visiting the children’s hospital in Glasgow. The story follows Red, a young squirrel who wakes up one morning to discover that her tail is covered in spots. To find out what’s wrong and get the care she needs, Red embarks on a journey to the hospital—an experience filled with warmth, kindness, and reassurance.
Published by Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, Red Visits the Hospital has been carefully tailored to reflect recognisable features of the Royal Hospital for Children. By doing so, it aims to reduce anxiety and help young patients understand what to expect during their hospital visit in a comforting and supportive way.
The book was officially launched today (6 March) as part of World Book Day celebrations at the hospital. Following a storytelling session with the award-winning author and illustrator, young patients enjoyed a ‘draw-along’ where Ross showed them how to draw Red the squirrel.
Kirsten Watson, Chief Executive of Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, expressed her gratitude for Ross Collins’ contribution:
"I’d like to express our heartfelt thanks to Ross for creating this beautiful book and for joining us at the hospital today. Hospital visits can be daunting, but Red will be an invaluable companion to countless children who are worried about their time in hospital. It is wonderful to see our hospital come to life in a story that will help so many families, and we are truly grateful for this generous gift."
Ross Collins, celebrated for his engaging and humorous storytelling, has illustrated over 150 books and earned dozens of prestigious international awards.
Discussing the book, Ross said:
“My son was treated at the Royal Hospital for Children and I'd always wanted to do something to pay back the care and kindness he received. I jumped at the chance to do this book!
“The good people at the charity told me of the concerns some children feel when visiting the hospital for the first time. I then got to tour and draw all the places that young patients may find themselves. Together with the charity we then created Red and her story. Drawing real places in a picture book was a first for me and I loved the challenge. The whole project has honestly been a joy for me and one that I'm exceptionally proud of.
“I really hope this book will find itself in the paws of hundreds of little nervous squirrels and put their mind to rest about visiting this wonderful place. I also hope that Red's adventures won't end here, that I can continue my relationship with the hospital and together we can share the magic of books with many little patients in the future.”
Working in collaboration with the NHS, local paediatric clinics, and schools and nurseries, Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity will distribute Red Visits the Hospital to children in the community who may visit the hospital, ensuring that they will feel better prepared and at ease during their visit.