Vicky the Vet
Usborne 100 Things to Know About... Series
What’s inside...
In 'Vicky the Vet,' young readers are introduced to Vicky, a kind and dedicated veterinarian who spends her days helping animals. Through engaging illustrations and simple text, the book takes us on a journey through Vicky's daily routine as she diagnoses and treats a variety of animal patients, from domestic pets like cats and dogs to farm animals like cows and horses. The story aims to educate children about the role of a vet and the care that goes into looking after animals, emphasizing themes of compassion, responsibility, and the importance of animal welfare. Each book in this series follows a main character through a working day, with plenty of excitement and drama along the way. Written in conjunction with experts in each field, these books also contain accurate detail to give children a taste of what people really do at work. From sickly snakes, to four-alarm fires and spicy soup to coughing babies, these professionals are ready to deal with any problem that comes their way.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-5
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Vicky The Vet
Discussion points
What do you think Vicky the Vet does every day to help animals?
How did Vicky help the animals in the story? Can you think of other ways a vet might help animals?
Why do you think it's important for communities to have a vet?
If you were a vet like Vicky, what animal would you most like to help and why?
What did you learn about caring for pets from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they think a vet does. This sets the stage for active listening and engagement with the story.
Pause at crucial moments in the story and ask your child how they think Vicky feels about her job.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a picture of Vicky helping one of the animals from the book, discussing each step and decision made in the drawing.
Relate the story to any real-life experiences your child may have had visiting a vet or caring for pets at home to anchor the book's themes in everyday life.
Help your child think critically by comparing and contrasting their regular doctor's work with Vicky’s work as a vet.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Vicky the Vet showcases the daily responsibilities of a vet, taking care of animals and ensuring their well-being.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of being responsible, whether it's by taking care of a pet, completing homework, or helping around the house.
Example Lesson: Compassion
Explanation: Through Vicky's gentle and caring interactions with animals, the book teaches children the value of kindness and empathy towards all living beings.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to show more empathy and kindness towards their peers and pets, fostering a more nurturing environment at home and school.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Vicky encounters various challenges that require creative and critical thinking to solve, such as diagnosing illnesses in animals.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to apply problem-solving skills in their own lives, such as figuring out how to deal with a disagreement with a friend or fixing a broken toy.
Example Lesson: Career Awareness
Explanation: The book introduces children to the profession of veterinary science, providing insight into the role and its importance in society.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to explore and appreciate different career paths, possibly sparking interest in animal care or other science-related fields.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Vicky often works with other professionals to care for animals, illustrating the importance of cooperation and working together.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the value of teamwork in achieving common goals, be it in sports, school projects, or family tasks.