It’s true that veterinarians take care of pets like cats and dogs… but who takes care of undersea creatures, animals on a farm, or the ones in the wild? It turns out veterinary science is filled with ways to learn about, teach about, and help out all kinds of different animals!
I Want to Be a Veterinarian
Discuss the Book
Achoo!
Pages 3–10
- Important Moment: The character in the story tells Dr. Wells he wishes he could be a vet, but he’s allergic to cats.
- Ask and Share: Why does the main character think he can’t be a veterinarian? Are there things you’d like to do or try but there’s a “but”—an obstacle or something standing in your way? What can you do to get past your obstacle?
Aquarium Adventures
Pages 11–18
- Important Moment: The aquatic vet dives in the tanks, feeds the fish, and answers questions about ocean life.
- Ask and Share: What does the aquatic vet do at the aquarium? If you were on the field trip to the aquarium, what questions would you like to ask the vet? Do you know any interesting facts about ocean life you could share with the vet and your classmates?
Spread Their Wings
Pages 19–24
- Important Moment: Once the wildlife veterinarians treat and care for the birds, they release them into the wild again.
- Ask and Share: When can the wild birds go back to the wilderness? Why don’t the veterinarians keep the birds as their pets? What’s the difference between a wild animal and a pet?
So Many Choices
Pages 25–32
- Important Moment: Dr. Wells asks the boy what kind of vet he wants to be. He says he doesn’t know yet. He’ll think it over—he’s glad he has lots of choices.
- Ask and Share: What kind of vet does the character want to be? If you were the character, which would you choose? Why? What’s something you can do if you’re having trouble deciding or making a choice?