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Free printable pack · Hospital stays
Riley’s Hospital Day
A gentle pack to help children know what to expect in the hospital, from arriving on the ward to going home. Read Riley’s story with Mom and Nurse Willow, get ready together, and choose the things that help your child feel calmer.
Email me this packFree · Printable PDF · No book needed
What’s inside
Riley is going to the big hospital in town for a small operation. He gets a wristband, finds the play room, has a special sleep medicine and wakes up with Mom right beside him. These free printables help children and grown-ups feel ready, without promising anything the hospital can’t.
- A page for grown-ups with six gentle tips, plus a getting-ready bag checklist and an All About Me hospital passport.
- Riley’s Hospital Day, a three-part story: arriving, the big day and going home, each with talk-together questions.
- “What might I see?” picture cards, My Questions with Nurse Willow, and a calm kit of five things to try.
- A getting-better chart with “When I feel better, I’m looking forward to…”, a page about visiting someone in the hospital with a get-well card, and a Brave Hospital Certificate to color.
The pack never promises that something won’t hurt. It uses honest, gentle words like “special sleep medicine” and “magic cream”, and reminds children that it is OK to feel worried and OK to cry.
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Who this pack is for
This pack is for children aged around 3 to 8 who have a hospital stay or a small operation coming up, and for the grown-ups going with them. It also has a page for children who are visiting someone they love in the hospital. Knowing what to expect, and having a plan for what helps, can make a big day feel a little smaller.
How to use it together
- Choose your timing. Older children usually like to know a few days before. Younger children often do better hearing about it closer to the day.
- Read Riley’s story together. Read it a little at a time, and let your child ask questions. Write their questions on the My Questions page, then ask the hospital team together on the day.
- Pack the bag together. Tick off the checklist and let your child choose a comfort toy. Take the hospital passport to show the nurses.
- Practice the calm kit at home. Balloon breathing and counting to five are easier to use on the day if you have tried them first.
- Celebrate small wins afterwards. Color a star for each step on the getting-better chart, and talk about what your child is looking forward to.
Questions grown-ups ask
What age is it for?
The suggested range is ages 3–8, with a grown-up alongside. Younger children can look at the pictures, tick and color; older children may like to fill in their own hospital passport and questions.
Is it really free?
Yes. The 13-page printable pack is free. Joining A Little Letter from Collyvale is optional; you can leave its checkbox unticked and still request your pack.
Is it for a particular operation?
No. The story talks about “a small operation” so it works for many different hospital visits. Every hospital does things a little differently, so ask your child’s hospital team what to expect on the day.
How do I get it?
Enter your email address in the form above. We’ll email you the download link so you can save the PDF and print the pages you want. Check your junk folder if it hasn’t arrived.
Can I print it more than once?
Yes, you can print extra copies for your own family, for example a get-well card for each visitor, or a new getting-better chart.
Can I share it or use it at school?
Yes, please print it for your own family, classroom, preschool or group. If you’d like to share it, send people the link to this page rather than the PDF. The packs, stories and characters are © Brendan Martin, Collyvale. Please don’t sell them, or upload them to other websites, including in changed form.
Is this medical advice?
No. Collyvale is a storybook world, not medical advice. Ask your child’s hospital team what to expect, and see HealthyChildren.org for more help preparing your child.
Who makes Collyvale's packs?
Collyvale is made by Brendan Martin, a father and grandfather who wanted to help families through everyday wobbles. Read more about Collyvale.
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Get this free packCollyvale provides general information, stories and family activities. It is not a medical or mental-health service and does not replace professional advice. If a child's worry is persistent, severe or interfering with everyday life, speak to their school, school nurse or doctor. If you're worried about your own wellbeing, please talk to your doctor. You can also find trusted information at healthychildren.org.