MY MOM'S A VET

Crisp, appealing color photos and a first-person narration by preteen Darcie detail her eventful summer week helping her mom, who has a large-animal practice in rural Connecticut. A checkup for a little donkey; diagnosing a lame horse; dehorning a kid; vaccinating a sow to protect her young—the variety of tasks is fascinating as well as instructive. Darcie also shares her mom's concern for a horse whose injury was avoidable and helps out as one cow gives birth and another has an emergency operation. This is the real stuff, an upbeat but authentic portrayal of the knowledge and skills of a country vet. The splendid photos and attractive layout are sure to attract readers. (Nonfiction. 8-12)