New Beginnings #13 (Vet Volunteers)
#13 of 17 in Vet Volunteers Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (8)
What’s inside...
The Vet Volunteers series follows a group of ordinary kids who volunteer at a veterinary clinic, helping animals in need and facing various challenges. In 'New Beginnings', twins Jules and Josh move to a new town where Jules adopts a rabbit with complications, and they must prove themselves as volunteers. 'Acting Out' features Zoe returning to Ambler and dealing with an antifreeze poisoning crisis affecting local animals, including a newly adopted cat. 'Helping Hands' sees Jules and Josh's parents hiring ponies for a sale, only to discover the animals are mistreated, prompting the volunteers to intervene and seek better care for them.
Discussion points
How do you think Jules felt when she first started volunteering, and how did her feelings change throughout the book?
Why is teamwork important in a vet clinic, and can you think of other situations where teamwork is essential?
What did you learn about caring for animals from this story?
If you were a Vet Volunteer, which animal would you want to help the most and why?
How do the characters in the book show responsibility and compassion?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences with the themes in the book, such as a time they helped someone or worked as part of a team.
Discuss the importance of community service and how it helps both individuals and animals, drawing parallels to the volunteers in the story.
Ask your child to imagine themselves in the role of a vet volunteer and describe a day in their life, fostering empathy and a deeper connection to the book’s characters.
Create a supportive environment where your child feels comfortable expressing their feelings about the situations and dilemmas faced by the characters in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Compassion towards animals
Explanation: The story demonstrates compassion through the characters who volunteer at a veterinary clinic, showing kindness and care to animals in need.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be more empathetic and considerate towards pets and wildlife, understanding their role in ensuring animals' well-being.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Characters in the book take on tasks and learn the importance of being reliable when caring for animals, showcasing the need for dedication and commitment.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of fulfilling their duties diligently, whether it's household chores, school assignments, or caring for a pet.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The volunteers must work together to manage the clinic and care for the animals, illustrating how cooperation and collaboration lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this to their interactions with peers in school projects or team sports, learning to value everyone's contribution and work harmoniously.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters encounter challenges in animal care that require creative and critical thinking to resolve.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of thinking through problems and coming up with effective solutions in their daily lives, enhancing their decision-making skills.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: As the young volunteers face various challenges, they learn to bounce back from setbacks, an important aspect of the story.
Real-World Application: This lesson is vital for helping children understand that setbacks are part of learning and growth, encouraging them to persevere in adversity.