Children’s author Natalie Burns helps ease kids’ anxieties with her heartfelt story, Mommy Goes to the Hospital.
For many children, the idea of a parent going to the hospital can be confusing, scary, and even overwhelming. Questions may arise in their minds: “What is a hospital like?” “Will Mommy be okay?” “What if I can’t see her?” These concerns can weigh heavily on a young heart. For author Natalie Burns, a mother who faced surgery herself, the struggle to find a comforting book to ease her own children’s fears led to the creation of her first book, Mommy Goes to the Hospital.
Natalie’s journey to becoming a children’s author was unique. As a mother preparing for surgery, she searched for a book that could help her young children understand what was about to happen. Most books she found focused on the child’s experience, featuring medical terminology or operations like tonsillectomies. But Natalie wasn’t looking for a story about a child’s surgery. Instead, she needed a story that could explain a parent’s experience as a patient, one that would provide comfort to her children with imagination and reassurance.
With a background in creative writing and a passion for reading to her own children, Natalie realized there was a gap in the market. Unable to find the book she needed, she decided to write it herself. And thus, Mommy Goes to the Hospital was born.
A Gentle Approach to Coping with Fear
In Mommy Goes to the Hospital, Burns introduces a fictional story about a mother undergoing surgery, a scenario that many families can relate to. Instead of focusing on medical details, the book transports children to a world where the hospital becomes a magical castle. The surgeons are wizards, the nurses are fairies, and there’s even a bit of magic to help ease the anxieties of young readers. Through this whimsical perspective, Burns offers children a way to explore their emotions in a safe, comforting environment.
The story’s strength lies in its imaginative approach, focusing on family love, the resilience of children in the face of uncertainty, and the quiet support that a parent can offer during challenging times. Burns found that writing this story helped her children view the hospital as a place of care and comfort, rather than a source of fear. She hopes to share this same sense of reassurance with children everywhere.
From Concept to Creation
For Burns, writing Mommy Goes to the Hospital was both a personal and creative journey. What started as a mother’s search for answers evolved into a mission to help other families navigate similar experiences.
While the book is purely fictional, it was inspired by her own real-life experience. Burns understands that this book has the power to resonate with so many others . Burns also drew from her love of storytelling and her desire to support children facing difficult situations. Her ability to blend heartfelt narrative with imaginative elements makes Mommy Goes to the Hospital a unique and valuable addition to the world of children’s literature. The book’s lyrical quality also adds a touch of warmth, making it an enjoyable read for children while conveying an important message of comfort and understanding.
Natalie’s book isn’t just a tool for children facing hospital visits, it also provides a chance for siblings and families to bond, navigate anxieties, and come together during a stressful time. The book’s accessibility and gentle approach make it suitable for children aged 3 to 7, but its themes of love and support resonate with families of all ages.
The Power of Imagination
What makes Mommy Goes to the Hospital stand out from other books on hospitalization is its balance of light-heartedness and meaningful life lessons. While many books on the topic use medical terms and focus on potentially distressing facts, Burns intentionally avoided these elements. Instead, she chose to emphasize imagination and fantasy as the main tools for helping children understand and manage their fears.
The book speaks to a universal truth: imagination can be a powerful tool for navigating challenging situations. Mommy Goes to the Hospital allows children to transform their fears into something more manageable, something playful and even magical. The story reimagines an intimidating subject and offers a way for children to develop emotional resilience.
What’s Next for Natalie Burns?
As Mommy Goes to the Hospital nears its February 2026 release, Burns is already planning the next steps for the Tales from Mommy’s Heart series. Her goal is to continue creating fictional books that help children navigate the big emotions that come with life’s challenges, all while maintaining the joy of discovery and learning.
Burns plans to expand the series to address other common childhood fears, such as separation anxiety, fear of the dark, or coping with a loved one’s illness. Through these stories, she hopes to offer a sense of understanding and comfort to families in need.
Her dream is for every child to find comfort and reassurance through imagination, and she is dedicated to sharing this vision through her work. Whether through her books, personal story, or engagement with readers and families, Burns is building a legacy of empathy and creativity.
Why Mommy Goes to the Hospital Matters
In a world where children often experience emotions that they can’t fully understand, Mommy Goes to the Hospital offers a comforting space to explore those feelings. It shows children that it’s okay to feel scared and that they are never alone. Whether a parent is facing surgery, illness, or even just a routine hospital visit, this book provides a safe way for children to express their questions and emotions.
Burns’ journey from a mother seeking answers to a published author is a testament to the power of creativity, love, and resilience. By sharing her own story, she has created a book that can help other families through similar experiences.
To learn more about Mommy Goes to the Hospital or to follow Natalie Burns’ journey, visit Tales from Mommy’s Heart and connect with her on Instagram @natalieburnsbooks.
As Mommy Goes to the Hospital prepares for its February 2026 release, now is the perfect time to discover how imagination can transform challenging moments into opportunities for growth. Visit Natalie Burns’ website to explore her work, and be sure to follow her on social media for updates on her upcoming releases.
