I love when my husband, a 4^th grade teacher, has career day in his classroom.  The students draw pictures of what career they would like to be when they grow up.  There are always at least 2-3 veterinarians in the group.   

Whenever I encounter a “future veterinarian” or even someone that just loves pets – I always try to encourage them to read James Herriot’s books. 

For younger children there is “James Herriot’s Treasury for Children: Warm and Joyful Tales”  

Cat lovers will like “James Herriot’s Cat Stories” and for Dog lovers there is “James Herriot’s Dog Stories: Warm and wonderful stories about the animals Herriot loves best” 

The first James Herriot book I remember reading was “All Creatures Great and Small” a charming book that follows a veterinarian in England in the 1930’s.  Other books in this series include:  Book 2: All Things Bright and Beautiful; Book 3: All Things Wise and Wonderful; Book 4: The Lord God Made Them All. 

These books depict what a country veterinarian’s life was like many decades ago.  Not for young readers – the descriptions can be graphic (I still remember the cow giving birth story) but should be fine for young adults.  The stories are gripping and intriguing and realistic. 

If your “future veterinarian” is not at the maturity level to read James Harriot yet – here are some other books to try: 

I Want to be a Veterinarian When I Grow Up (Paperback)

DK Readers: Animal Hospital (Level 2: Beginning to Read Alone) (Paperback)

A Day in the Life of a Veterinarian (First Facts: Community Helpers at Work) (Paperback)

by Heather Adamson 

Happy Reading!
The Book Lady

I always have mixed feelings when a children’s book is being made into a movie. 
Will the movie live up to the book?
Sometime it just encourages the child to “skip the book and just see the movie” 

Sometimes, however – a good movie will help create (or re-create) interest in a book. 

Charlotte’s Web has been a favorite since its publication in 1952 and has inspired several movie (and cartoon) adaptations although none are quite as brilliant as the book, kids do really enjoy them.  

So many other books have been made into popular films.  “Holes”, “Harry Potter” “How to eat Fried Worms” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” are just a few that come to mind in the recent years. 

I remember taking a few 4^th grade students to see “Bridge to Terabithia”  At one point one of the students whispered to me, “This is a really good movie” and I whispered back,” I liked the book a little bit better”.  This young girl was surprised to find out that the movie had been a book for many years! 

So here is my recommendation – always read the book first.  If you are reading with your kids – read the book together and then see the movie.  You can then discuss how well the film was adapted, did the characters portray the roles on screen as you thought they would – etc.   

Although I am not against movies being made from books – it can actually help the popularity of the book - I will always be a book purist and read the book, and then see the movie! 

Happy Reading!
The Book Lady