VETERINARIANS AND WHAT THEY DO

A straightforward guide to what a veterinarian does.

After getting a new pet, a child brings the puppy to the vet. First, the book shares that a vet is very knowledgeable about what animals need to stay healthy, and she also helps when a pet is sick. The introduction of the tools and surgical clothes a vet might use sets a scene of a sick puppy who won’t eat. The puppy undergoes an examination and X-ray, which reveals that he swallowed a small ball. The vet explains that the puppy will have an operation to remove the ball. The concept of anesthesia is presented in a child-friendly way, with the puppy dreaming of a romp in the park. After a few days, the puppy is allowed to go home, and everyone is happy. But suddenly, the vet attends a house call to bandage a horse with hurt legs, giving readers a glimpse of large-animal practice. Translated from Dutch, the sentences are simple and to the point. Beginning pages hold an illustrated glossary, but the purpose of most of the equipment isn’t explained. Although the interaction between the vet and child is intended to be calming, the lack of information about what surgery entails will leave readers with more questions. In Slegers’ characteristic illustrative style, the white characters are drawn with bold lines over solid-colored backgrounds.

Cute—but may leave readers with more questions than answers.