10+ Best Vet Books for 10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Hey there! Is your 10-year-old fascinated by animals and dreams of becoming a veterinarian? You're in the right place! We've rounded up a fantastic selection of vet books for 10-year-olds that are both engaging and educational. These books are perfect for nurturing their interest in animal care and veterinary science. Keep reading to discover our top picks that will inspire and educate your future vet!

Fun Vet Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Patricia Castelao
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel is based on the true story of Ivan, a captive gorilla who lived in a shopping mall for 27 years before being moved to a zoo. The story is told from Ivan’s perspective, focusing on his friendships with the animals around him and his journey to a better life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching and beautifully written tale that teaches empathy and the importance of animal welfare, making it a great read for young animal lovers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love animals and stories that evoke strong emotions.

• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: This beloved classic tells the story of a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a clever spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte writes messages in her web to persuade the farmer to save him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of friendship, sacrifice, and the cycle of life in a way that is accessible and engaging for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy heartwarming stories and learning about farm life.

• Vet Volunteers Series by Laurie Halse Anderson
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This series follows a group of kids who volunteer at a local veterinary clinic, where they help care for animals and solve various animal-related mysteries.
  • Why we recommend this book: Each book in the series focuses on different animals and issues, providing educational content about animal care and health in an exciting context.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who dream of becoming veterinarians or who love solving mysteries.

• Owls in the Family by Farley Mowat
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The story revolves around a boy who adopts two owls, Wol and Weeps, in Saskatchewan. The book details their adventures and mischievous antics with humor and warmth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and engaging story that highlights the bond between humans and animals, promoting a love for wildlife and nature.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy humorous stories and learning about wildlife.

• James Herriot's Treasury for Children by James Herriot, illustrated by Ruth Brown and Peter Barrett
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Animal Stories
  • Synopsis: This collection features warm and joyful tales of a country vet's experiences with animals, which are both heartwarming and richly evocative of rural life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the timeless relationship between humans and animals through delightful and gentle stories that are perfect for bedtime reading.
  • Perfect for: Young readers and families looking for cozy read-aloud stories with charming illustrations.

Educational Vet Books for 10-Year-Olds

• All About Veterinarians by Dee Ready
  • Genre(s): Nonfiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This informative book provides a clear overview of what it means to be a veterinarian, detailing the day-to-day activities and responsibilities of animal doctors.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of veterinary science, career awareness, animal care knowledge
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a realistic look into the veterinary profession, encouraging children who dream of working with animals to understand the dedication and care involved.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young veterinarians and kids curious about animal science careers.

• Rescue and Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship by Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes, illustrated by Scott Magoon
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: Based on a true story, this book follows the journey of a girl named Jessica and her service dog, Rescue. It explores themes of friendship, disability, and recovery.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, understanding of disabilities, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story that highlights the role of service animals and the incredible difference they can make in people's lives.
  • Perfect for: Children interested in how animals can assist humans and stories that feature real-life challenges.

• The Brilliant Deep: Rebuilding the World's Coral Reefs by Kate Messner, illustrated by Matthew Forsythe
  • Genre(s): Nonfiction, Environmental Science
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Ken Nedimyer and his efforts to save the world's coral reefs by growing corals and replanting them in the ocean.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Environmental awareness, conservation techniques, marine biology
  • Why we recommend this book: It educates on the importance of coral reefs and the impact that one person can have on environmental conservation.
  • Perfect for: Young environmentalists and marine life enthusiasts.

• Animal Doctors: Incredible Ways Animals Heal Themselves by Angie Trius and Mark Doran, illustrated by Julio Antonio Blasco
  • Genre(s): Nonfiction, Animal Behavior
  • Synopsis: This book explores the fascinating ways that animals treat their own injuries and illnesses, from ants that use antimicrobial resin to elephants that eat specific plants to fight infection.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Knowledge of animal behavior, natural remedies, scientific observation
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a unique perspective on animal intelligence and self-care, showcasing nature's ingenuity.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love animals and are interested in biology or natural science.

• Dog Diaries: A Middle School Story by James Patterson and Steven Butler, illustrated by Richard Watson
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Told from the point of view of a mischievous dog named Junior, this book offers a peek into the life of a pet and his adventures both in and out of the house.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative writing, perspective-taking, humor
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a light-hearted and entertaining read that also imparts lessons on responsibility and pet care.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy funny stories and have pets or love animals.

Challenging Vet Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Zoobiquity: What Animals Can Teach Us About Health and the Science of Healing by Barbara Natterson-Horowitz and Kathryn Bowers
  • Genre(s): Nonfiction, Science, Veterinary Medicine
  • Synopsis: This book explores the connections between human and animal health, revealing how veterinarians and physicians can learn from each other to improve treatment across species.
  • Why this book is challenging: It includes complex medical concepts and interdisciplinary approaches that require a higher level of reading comprehension and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It broadens the reader's understanding of medicine by linking human and veterinary health, encouraging a comprehensive view of science and biology.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers interested in science, medicine, and animal care.

• The Tarantula Scientist by Sy Montgomery, photographed by Nic Bishop
  • Genre(s): Nonfiction, Science, Biography
  • Synopsis: This engaging book follows scientist Sam Marshall as he studies tarantulas in their natural habitats, providing insights into the life and work of an arachnologist.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents scientific research and fieldwork details that are typically not covered in children's literature, requiring focus and curiosity about complex subjects.
  • Why we recommend this book: It showcases the excitement of scientific discovery and the dedication required in zoological fields, inspiring respect for all creatures, regardless of their reputation.
  • Perfect for: Kids who have a keen interest in spiders, science, and exploring nature.

• Small Wonders: Jean-Henri Fabre and His World of Insects by Matthew Clark Smith, illustrated by Giuliano Ferri
  • Genre(s): Biography, Science, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: A beautifully illustrated biography of Jean-Henri Fabre, the French scientist who devoted his life to studying insects and their natural environments.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into the detailed scientific observations and experiments of Fabre, requiring readers to engage with scientific methods and complex life science concepts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates curiosity and meticulous observation, encouraging readers to notice the small wonders of the natural world around them.
  • Perfect for: Young naturalists and any child fascinated by insects and scientific exploration.

• Emory's Gift by W. Bruce Cameron
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Adventure, Animal Story
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of a boy who forms a life-changing bond with a grizzly bear, exploring themes of friendship, grief, and healing.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative weaves complex themes of loss and connection with advanced vocabulary and nuanced storytelling.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a deep, emotional narrative that challenges readers to consider their relationships with nature and wildlife.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy heartfelt stories and those interested in themes of healing and animal bonds.

• The Elephant Whisperer: My Life with the Herd in the African Wild by Lawrence Anthony with Graham Spence
  • Genre(s): Nonfiction, Biography, Conservation
  • Synopsis: Lawrence Anthony recounts his experiences with a rogue herd of elephants, whom he accepts into his wildlife reserve, detailing the deep bond he forms with them.
  • Why this book is challenging: It includes sophisticated themes related to wildlife conservation, ethical dilemmas, and complex emotional narratives.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a profound look at animal behavior and conservation efforts, inspiring respect and empathy for wildlife.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers passionate about animals, conservation, and stories of extraordinary human-animal relationships.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to dive into the world of vet books and want to make the most out of your reading experience, here are some fun exercises that can help you develop great reading habits. Perfect for 10-year-olds who are curious about animals and dreaming of becoming a vet someday!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how many pages or chapters you want to read each day.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and makes reading a regular part of your day.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals and increase them as you get more comfortable.

• Create a Vocabulary List
  • What it is: Write down new or interesting words you find in your vet books.
  • How it helps: Enhances your vocabulary and understanding of complex concepts.
  • Tips: Use a notebook specifically for this purpose, and try to use the new words in sentences.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends, family, or classmates who are also reading it.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and gives you different perspectives.
  • Tips: Organize a weekly book club meeting where everyone can share their thoughts.

• Draw or Sketch
  • What it is: Draw scenes or concepts from the book.
  • How it helps: Helps visualize the information and makes learning more engaging.
  • Tips: Don't worry about perfect art; focus on expressing what you've read in your own way.

• Summarize Chapters
  • What it is: Write a short summary of each chapter after you read it.
  • How it helps: Reinforces what you've learned and helps with retention.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries brief and to the point; use bullet points if that helps.

• Ask Questions
  • What it is: Write down any questions that arise while you're reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the material.
  • Tips: Look for answers in the book itself or discuss them with someone knowledgeable.

• Make Predictions
  • What it is: Guess what might happen next in the story or with the information given.
  • How it helps: Engages your imagination and analytical skills.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check how many of them were right as you progress.

These exercises aren't just about becoming better at reading; they're about enjoying the journey of learning and getting closer to your dream of understanding the animal world better. So grab your favorite vet book, pick one or two of these exercises, and start your adventure in veterinary science today! Happy reading!