V is for Vet (3 books): Library Notes

 

Olivia is a popular series of books for early readers by Alex Harvey.  The irony of this book, Olivia becomes a Vet, is that the animal characters are taking care of animals.  Olivia first considers the needs of the animals and what types of food they like to eat. When her friend's pet refuses to eat, Olivia suggests they take him to the vet where she dreams about all the animals she would like to own.  A real life event at the vet clinic inspires her to become a vet and to practice through imaginative play with her pets who have pretend diseases.

Olivia will inspire the child(ren) in your life to get their vet bag and instruments, give toy pets a check up, diagnose pretend illnesses like strawberry jam disease and name types of pets and exotic animals like a lion, elephant and camel.

I want to be a Veterinarian by Laura Driscoll is an "I can read level 1" book that  goes through all the steps of the visit of his dog to the vet.  He is introduced to different types of vets such as those for pets, those for aquatic animals and those for large and/or wild animals (farm animals or zoo animals). It introduces children to the fact that veterinarians work in labs, clinics, hospitals, offices and in schools.  

Vicky the Vet (Usborne Books) is authored by Felicity Brooks.  It covers the staff you would meet in a veterinary clinic such as a receptionist, a nurse and a vet.  It discusses the types of reasons why an animal may need the care of a vet.  There are a wide variety of animals in the book who visit because they have an infection, teeth issues, fleas, an eye infection, a wing injury, a lump on cheek, worms, itchy ears, dirty teeth, sneezing, natural changes or because they need a vaccine or had an accident. This provides ideas for a variety of veterinary care practices to try out in dramatic play and it also is food for thought about all the issues a pet may experience so you can discuss how best to take care of them.  For example, keep their eyes and teeth clean and keep up with their vaccinations.  As I often mention, I like Usborne books and think you will enjoy this book as well.

I hope you enjoy these books and others on the topic and share this interest with the child(ren) in your life.  Taking their curiosity and interest in animals is a great starter as you find ways to build their literacy skills.  These books provide a lot of vocabulary and great inspiration for dramatic play.  Acting out conversations between pets and vets is a skill builder that is enjoyable for everyone.  Have fun!

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