Dr Shenaaz Essa, an anaesthesiologist with a special interest in paediatrics at Tygerberg Hospital in Cape Town, has launched a new storybook and colouring pack designed to help young surgical patients through their hospital journey with compassion and warmth.

Recognised as one of the Tygerberg Hospital Children’s Trust’s supported programmes, Themba and the Sleep Fairy was developed to support children who arrive for surgery frightened and unprepared — a designation that expands its reach across public hospitals.

And thanks to a heart warming partnership with Gift of the Givers, thousands of children will soon walk into surgery feeling braver than ever before.

Helping Children Understand a Scary Process

In many public hospitals, children go into surgery without knowing who they will meet, what the equipment does, or why they need anaesthesia. That uncertainty leads to fear, higher medication needs, and a more difficult recovery.

“Calm children cope better,” says Dr Shenaaz. “When they understand what will happen, their anxiety drops, and their wake-up experience is much smoother.”

The book explains the steps of surgery in a clear, age-appropriate way, from the moment a child arrives in theatre to the moment they return to the ward.

Included with each book is a box of crayons so children can colour while waiting, a meaningful addition for many young patients who arrive with no personal belongings.

Parents who have used the book at home report that their children walked into hospital noticeably calmer and more confident. 

Inspired by What Doctors See Every Day

The project began during Dr Shenaaz’s final month of specialist training. After organising a mural in the recovery area at Tygerberg Hospital, she saw first-hand how a supportive environment can change a child’s entire experience.

Her work in both private and public hospitals highlighted a stark contrast experienced by children.

Working with colleagues illustrator Dr Annemie Burke and editors Dr Ramona Ramklass and Dr Graeme Wilson, all experienced anaesthetists, she spent nine months refining the story around the real questions and fears children express before surgery.

Reaching More Children Across South Africa

To ensure accessibility, the book is being translated into Afrikaans, isiXhosa and isiZulu, with French and Swahili versions underway for broader African use.

“Our goal is simple,” says Dr Shenaaz. “Every child facing surgery deserves to understand what is happening to them.”

Matched Funding Doubles the Impact

The project’s BackaBuddy campaign has raised R6 000 from 13 donors, toward a R30 000 goal.

Through matched funding by Gift of the Givers:

• R30 supports 2 children
• R300 supports 20 children
• R1 500 supports 100 children
• 1 000 donated books = 2 000 books delivered

The first 2 000 packs are planned for distribution to public hospitals in 2025.

Aiming for No Child to Enter Surgery Unprepared

Dr Shenaaz hopes the book becomes a standard part of care for children in public hospitals.

“A small amount of information can completely change how a child experiences surgery,” she says. “If we can reduce fear even slightly, that’s meaningful — and it’s something every child deserves.”

For many families, this may be the only emotional support their child receives before an operation.

To support the Sleep Fairy Project:

https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/help-themba-and-the-sleep-fairy