Nothing to Laugh At

"Nothing to Laugh At" is a collection of short stories that delve into humor and clowning in medical environments. It's also an informative and personal guide to the history of Clown Care on a regional, national, and international scale. Clown Care is a program that brings specially trained performers into pediatric, geriatric hospitals and special needs facilities to visit with, entertain, and interact with patients of all ages. This book uncovers the in-depth training and support structure for hospital clowns, their utilization of humor as a unique form of healing, and their interactions with diverse patients.

"Nothing to Laugh At" is a narrative, non-fiction collection of short stories about the evolution of the humor and healing process at Harvard University's pediatric teaching facility - Boston Children's Hospital. This informative and personal guide takes readers through the history of Clown Care on a regional, national, and international scale. Clown Care is a program that brings specially trained performers into pediatric, geriatric hospitals, and special needs facilities to visit with, entertain, and interact with patients of all ages. This book uncovers the in-depth training and support structure for hospital clowns, their utilization of humor as a unique form of healing, and their interactions with diverse patients. Bob "B.B." Widdop intends to educate the reader about the Clown Care program, process, and underlying administration. Through his own personal experiences, B.B. brings the program to life, and with vivid language and an easy-going manner of storytelling, the reader feels an instant connection with "Nurse B.B." to easily visualize the setting and strong emotions at play with every visit to a patient's room. "Nothing to Laugh At" is a warm, emotional, amusing, and honest text that engages the reader from the opening chapter. The rewarding and admirable work undertaken by this remarkable group of caregivers is outstanding and worthy of all the attention it can find. This book is beneficial for talented entertainers, volunteers, medical personnel, students, clergy, family members, and anyone interested in gaining knowledge about this alternative care and profession.

Bob "B. B." Widdop has gained international recognition for his contributions to the family entertainment business for over forty years. Bob's talents brought him to Boston Children's Hospital in 1995, where he became the founding supervisor of the Big Apple Circus Clown Care Unit. For over twenty years, alongside other talented performers, he entertained and brought happiness to numerous patients, parents, and hospital staff. As a cancer survivor, "B.B." contributes a wealth of knowledge (both personal and professional) to "Humor is the Best Medicine," offering valuable insights and practical skills that deepen the understanding of healthcare clowning.