So You Want To Be A Veterinarian (So You Want To Be A...)

"So You Want To Be A Veterinarian is part of a series for children on exciting and worthwhile careers. Without talking down to young readers, Linda Soules emphasizes that love for animals and scientific accuracy are necessary to succeed in this profession. She explains that vets help animals to live healthier lives. They treat all kinds of animals, from pets to farm animals, and wild animals in zoos and nature preserves. Because animals cannot speak directly, vets have to pay careful attention to their behavior for signs to discover what is wrong. Vets also need to listen to pet parents and animal carers, who know their animals' behavior best. The carefully organized chapters guide readers through the work vets do, the locations where they work, the tools they use, and a typical day in their lives.

So You Want To Be A Veterinarian by Linda Soules is well researched and addresses the practical and emotional demands of this career. The concise biographies of famous vets like James Herriot, Aleen Cust, and Temple Grandin will inspire and challenge young readers. The colorful illustrations add lifelike details that are very appealing. With a glossary, lists of books for further reading, and websites and organizations for more information, the book is a useful reference that kids will grow with. There are some practical tips for getting started, such as observing animals, studying basic biology, and volunteering at a shelter. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to know what it takes to be a vet, including kids, parents, and educators."

"One of nearly 200 books in the So You Want to Be A... series, So You Want to Be A Veterinarian walks readers through everything they could possibly want to know about a career in veterinary medicine.

What is it really like being a vet and caring for animals every day? Well, vets work with animals of all shapes and sizes, from tiny hamsters to enormous elephants and giraffes, which means they sometimes have to be willing to work in unusual locations. Animals can't tell you what's wrong, so vets need extraordinary powers of deduction—including the ability to talk to animals!

And vets don't just care for animals—they care for the people who own and love those animals too. Sometimes the job is filled with fun and laughter, but sometimes it is heartbreaking—like when a beloved pet needs to be put down. No matter what the job holds, however, vets love knowing that they are providing a service neither humans nor animals could do without.

The book provides detailed, factual descriptions about the highs and lows of the job, the skills and training needed to succeed, and even what a typical day on the job might look like. Bright cartoon-style illustrations depict vets of different genders, ages, and ethnicities delivering care to a range of animals all over the globe, underscoring the book's central message about the diversity of care that veterinary doctors provide. A self-diagnostic checklist, suggestions for getting their career started early, and plenty of resources for further learning provide readers with a practical roadmap for becoming a vet if, after reading, they feel this is the career for them.

For any child who loves animals, So You Want to Be a Veterinarian is the perfect starting place for fueling big career dreams."

"Soules celebrates the scope and heart of veterinary work in this continuation of her informative series aimed at helping young readers explore potential career paths (following So You Want to Be an Astronaut). Being a veterinarian isn't 'just about animals,' she writes, 'it's about the love between animals and the people who need them.' That's certainly a high calling, and Soules makes it clear that vets put in long hours and strenuous work as part of their job. Whether relaying the heartbreaking news that a beloved pet won't recover or chasing a runaway hamster through a clinic, this inspiring picture book gives kids an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to be a successful veterinarian.

Soules explains the core tasks of veterinary work—treating injuries, delivering physical checkups, performing surgeries, administering medications—as well as the more nuanced skills required, like learning how to speak the language of different species to understand when they are in pain. 'Veterinary medicine requires the breadth that human medicine would require if doctors were trained to treat every mammal simultaneously,' she writes, underscoring how veterinarians must be dedicated, willing to learn, and eager to experience something new every single day.

The most delightful sections are the real-life anecdotes sharing some of veterinary science's funniest moments: a parrot screaming for help during an exam, a sunburned lizard, a cat wearing a tissue box as a helmet—such tales will make readers of any age giggle....Kids will appreciate the fun facts included at the book's end (cats purr to help their bodies heal; a horse's heart can weigh over 10 pounds!), and Soules offers a range of starter activities for those readers whose interest is piqued by this factual offering.

Takeaway: Heartfelt, informative tribute to the dedication of veterinarians."

"So You Want To Be A Veterinarian, Linda Soules's entry in the So You Want To Be A... series, centers on a challenge no human doctor faces: your patient cannot say its ear has hurt for three days. She calls the veterinarian doctor, detective, and animal translator in one. That idea carries through every chapter.

The book breaks down what veterinarians actually do, why people commit to the work, and the tools they use, from squeeze cages and casting tables to underwater treadmills. Chapters explain how practitioners read body language in common pets, why a drug safe for one species can harm another, and what a full workday looks like from 3 AM farm calls to zoo checkups and wildlife rescues. Surprising sides of the job appear throughout, including pathology roles that rarely involve live patients, plus honest coverage of euthanasia, vet debt, and clinic humor. Vet school admissions, specialty paths, and much more fill out the rest.

Soules writes directly to 'you' in short bursts that suit independent reading. Illustrations throughout show surgical teams at work, exam room visits with ultrasound and X-ray screens, and quieter scenes of clinic paperwork and late-night study.

Give this book to pet lovers ages eight to fourteen who keep saying they want to be a vet. It lays out the debt, hard calls, and daily grind with enough honesty for parents to guide the conversation and for kids to test the dream against reality."

"Linda Soules’s So You Want To Be A Veterinarian is an engaging and informative career guide for children ages ten to fourteen. The book introduces veterinary medicine through its central challenge: animal patients cannot explain where they hurt or describe their symptoms. Veterinarians must therefore act as doctors, detectives, and animal translators, using scientific knowledge, careful observation, diagnostic tests, and conversations with animal caregivers to discover what is wrong. Soules explains these ideas clearly without talking down to young readers.

The book is honest about the difficult parts of the profession. Veterinarians may work long hours, handle frightened or powerful animals, deliver upsetting news, and face medical problems they cannot solve. At the same time, the book includes humorous stories, surprising animal facts, and colorful illustrations that keep the subject enjoyable. Brief biographies of notable figures such as James Herriot, Aleen Cust, and Temple Grandin add inspiration, while the glossary, reading suggestions, organizations, and practical activities give interested children useful ways to begin exploring the field.

The book’s strength is its detailed look at the many forms veterinary work can take. Readers learn about veterinarians who care for household pets, farm animals, zoo animals, exotic species, and wildlife. The book also introduces less familiar career paths in research, pathology, public health, and specialized fields such as cardiology and dermatology. Descriptions of physical examinations, imaging, laboratory work, surgery, emergency care, and unusual veterinary tools help readers understand the skill and training required to treat many different species.

So You Want To Be A Veterinarian is a well-researched, appealing, and realistic introduction to veterinary medicine. It shows that loving animals is important, but success also requires compassion, emotional courage, scientific accuracy, physical stamina, and a willingness to keep learning. By presenting both the rewards and the challenges of the work, Soules helps children decide whether veterinary medicine might be right for them. This book is highly recommended for young animal lovers, as well as for parents and educators seeking a thoughtful career resource."

"Imagine treating a patient who can’t tell you what’s wrong. That’s the daily reality of a veterinarian, and So You Want to Be a Veterinarian invites young readers straight into it. This title introduces the joys and challenges of caring for animals of every size, from a hamster small enough to fit in one hand to an elephant that shakes the ground when it walks. Kids step into a role that’s part doctor, part detective, and part animal translator, where a vet has to learn each species’ language, know what normal looks like for that creature, and pick up on all the small clues that indicate something might be off. But this is a job that’s never just about the furry, feathered, or scaly patient in the room. Caring for the humans attached to that pet matters just as much, and a good vet stays attuned to the well-being of both. The book goes beyond the routine of a typical clinic visit, following large-animal vets delivering calves at 3 a.m. and wildlife vets releasing a rescued hawk back into the sky. These exciting examples show just how far this career can stretch. There’s plenty of fun in the mix, too. Since animals are unpredictable, a profession that brings something new every single day never gets boring.

Linda Soules opens young readers’ eyes to what it really means to take on this work. For a child who might choose this career, a deep affection for animals and a genuine desire to help them are cited as valuable assets. She doesn’t soften the hard parts: the long hours, the emotional weight, the sheer amount of effort the job demands. Even so, she leaves kids feeling confident about the rewards rather than discouraged by the difficulty. Euthanasia gets a thoughtful, age-appropriate treatment, framed as a final gesture of compassion rather than something to fear. It’s a difficult subject handled with unusual care for a children’s book. Soules also hands readers a concrete starting point, with steps they can take right now if this is the direction they want to head. She rounds this out with a glimpse of some of the people who shaped the field, from James Herriot’s beloved country-vet stories to Aleen Cust, who practiced for decades before finally earning formal recognition. These figures give kids a sense that this dream has real history behind it. Throughout, the audience is treated with respect, being trusted to handle difficult truths and to believe they can pursue whatever they set their minds to. The artwork is warm, detailed, and vivid enough to hold attention page after page. As informative as it is charming, So You Want to Be a Veterinarian is the rare career book with as much heart as it has honesty."

"The emphasis on the tough aspects of veterinary medicine — euthanasia, aging, talking to families about expensive treatments — is a difficult but important part of the consideration on whether this job could be a good fit."

"I appreciated how the author detailed the career as not just animal-serving but people-serving as well. Using simple words, digestible concepts, and colorful art, the author did a wonderful job conveying the elements of the career."

"Such an educational read! This book is perfect for kids who want to know what it takes to be a veterinarian in the real world. With informative parts on what a daily schedule looks like, tools of the trade, fun facts, and famous veterinarians, this book is a real page turner. I believe every child who's a real animal lover can take something away from this book!"

"If you have a preteen or teen thinking about being a veterinarian they should read this...This book is perfect for a 10 to 14 year old who may want to be a veterinarian when they grow up... I would even read this to my 8 yr old."

"Great book to introduce some of the fun and challenging aspects of being a veterinarian. I appreciate a book that (age) appropriately addresses the difficult areas of a profession without diminishing the wonderment of said profession. My 8 year old struggled to understand some of the terminology, but the glossary toward the end was helpful. This book really brought out her curiosity and she was asking many follow-up questions. She was excited to see that there were other recommended books she could read to learn even more."

"I wish I had seen books like this in my younger days. It was great in telling what a job as a veterinarian is really like. Plus, everything to get you there. I would recommend this book to anyone that knows of a child that dreams of being a veterinarian!!"

"The writing is amazing and quite direct. It has the proper language usage for the age group. It does not baby, nor talk over their heads, and that is important if you want to capture the child's attention....The images in this book are beautiful. They add to the information in the book instead of distracting the reader. The realistic pictures can help a child visualize what each specialty offers....This is a well crafted book designed to help a child explore different careers without the added stress of hard to understand phrasing, images that do not flow with the text, and too much information. This is just one book in her series that I think could be a huge interest and benefit to adolescents."

"True, sweet, heartfelt. This was such an interesting and encouraging read for a kid thinking about becoming a veterinarian. The book gives a realistic look at the career while still being inspiring and easy to follow. I appreciated how it explained both the challenges and rewards of working with animals. Great resource for students, animal lovers, or anyone curious about the veterinary field!"

"Another great book in the series to explore careers. Great illustrations, thoughts and ideas to make any future vet curious and wanting to know more."

"As someone who's worked in veterinary medicine for 25+ years... every part of the book hit the nail on the head perfectly. It was very well researched."

"As a veterinary professional, I found it to be a perfect introduction to the profession and is honest about the good and some of the tough parts of the job; it's not all puppies and kittens."

"Very well written and for a wide age range of audiences. I would recommend this book to any child or young person wanting to be a veterinarian. It's also great for older people who want to learn what a veterinarian actually does. I loved the vibrant pictures that tell a story all by themselves."

"The author has perfectly written and provided thorough insight into the field. The colorful depictions of the human – animal dynamic were effective. The advice on getting started was valuable for youngsters seeking to become veterinarians."

"As someone who has worked in veterinary medicine, I feel like this book gives an accurate description of becoming a veterinarian. It discusses the positives as well as the hardships that come with the occupation. I think if a young animal lover read this book, it could inspire them to turn that love into a career!"

"When anyone would ask me what I wanted to be when I grow up , I would say a veterinarian. I have always had a deep passion for animals! I picked this book just to see what I was missing when I didn't choose this route. Everything in the book has taken me back as to why I wanted to be one in the first place!"

"Great overview of being a veterinarian (wildlife, farm, small animals, etc.) for my 12 year old niece who loves animals and has said she wants to be a vet since she was 5. Illustrations are adorable. Lots of real information, from the best, worst and most surprising parts of the job, the tools and skills needed. My niece kept saying 'Ohhhh, I didn't think of that,' as she read it. She loved it and said she'll read it over and over again."

"This book is so good for an older child or young teen who has an interest in veterinary medicine. It is very informative, but in plain language that is easy to understand, and the information seems accurate. The illustrations are beautifully detailed, and the inclusion of additional reading/resources at the end is a great touch."

"A wonderful little book! I like that it’s honest about the trade, from good to bad! It sheds light on the joys of being a vet, as well as the difficult parts. This is a good inside look at what it’s like being a vet for any kid interested in becoming one!"

"So many children's books about professions provide a glamorized version, giving false impressions of a career. Not these books."

"I read this book with my daughter and we enjoyed it together. She loves animals, so this really kept her interested. The book did a good job explaining what being a veterinarian is in a way that was easy for kids to understand. It was fun seeing her ask questions and get excited while reading. I think it’s a great book for kids who love animals or dream about helping and caring for them one day."

"There are books that talk down to children, and there are books that trust them. *So You Want to Be a Veterinarian* firmly belongs to the second category, and that is what makes it special.

From its opening dedication, "For every kid who ever whispered to a scared animal it's going to be okay," this book knows exactly who it is talking to and why. It meets young animal lovers where they are emotionally, then takes them somewhere genuinely deeper. The writing is warm but never condescending, and it covers the full reality of veterinary work with a honesty that most kids' books would shy away from. The hard parts are here too, including the quiet, heavy appointments that "take something from you that doesn't fully return." That kind of truth, handled with care, is what elevates this above a simple career introduction.

The content is surprisingly rich. The book walks readers through the remarkable breadth of veterinary medicine, from small animal clinics to zoo vets coaxing trust from gorillas, to wildlife vets releasing rehabilitated hawks back into the wild. It explains why the job is uniquely demanding, since a vet must become fluent across dozens of species with radically different anatomy, physiology, and needs. And it makes a compelling case that reading a patient who cannot speak is one of the most sophisticated forms of diagnostic thinking in all of medicine. Adults who pick this up will likely learn something they didn't know.

The humor is perfectly placed. The parrot screaming "HELP! HELP!" during a routine checkup, the Labrador terrified of the scale, the cat wearing a tissue box as a helmet into the clinic. These moments breathe life into the book and keep younger readers completely engaged.

One genuine standout is the visual presentation. The graphics and illustrations don't just decorate the pages; they actively tell the story alongside the text. For a subject that is so deeply visual, with animals communicating through posture, movement, and expression, the artwork does real work in helping young readers understand what the words describe.

A note on reading level: this book is best suited for middle grade readers, roughly ages 9 to 12, or for families reading together. Younger children may find some passages challenging, but that also makes it an ideal read-aloud book, the kind where a parent and child can pause, look at the pictures, and talk through what they just learned. For any child with a passion for animals, it is the kind of book that plants a seed.

**Rating: 5 out of 5**

A rare children's book that respects its readers enough to tell them the whole truth, and beautiful enough to make them love every page of it."

"So You Want To Be A Veterinarian is an engaging and informative book for kids who love animals and dream of caring for them professionally. It does a great job of explaining what veterinarians do and the skills needed to succeed in the field. The content is easy to understand, inspiring, and encourages young readers to explore their passion for animal care."

"The illustration and art work is simply amazing. My 4 year old is autistic with a learning curve but he enjoys us reading this series to him. He loves animals so this one really kept his attention!"

"This was a great short book explaining what veterinarians do, how they do it, why they do it, and what qualities best signify that a person would be a good vet. The detail and thought put into this is fantastic. It really showcases both the great things, as well as the more difficult side of the job. What a great resource for a young person who is thinking of pursuing a future career in veterinary care."

"The little fun facts provided in these books are always so interesting. I have always been a huge animal lover and found it so interesting that a cat can purr itself back to health and dogs nose prints are just as unique as humans' fingerprints."

"These are the cutest books! They have so much information about the day to day life of a veterinarian and all they have to do. Great illustration and great facts and information!"

"What a great way to teach children about becoming a vet. The pictures are very eye catching but don’t take away from the words on the page. The author set up the book in an interesting way to keep you engaged all the way through. Love the day schedule as well as the list of what can be done to prepare."

"Super cute and thorough book to help educate children (and even adults) about a career as an animal doctor. It delves into the behind the scenes responsibilities that veterinarians have and difficulties they may experience each day along with some amazing facts about famous veterinarians and animals facts. Can't wait to read other books in this series."

"These books are so good! I have read several of them and read them with and to my children. My oldest daughter has a deep love for animals and this book is so perfect. These books cover all aspects of veterinary medicine the exciting and the tough. Reading this I actually learned a few new facts I didn’t know. I’d say this is a book for all. I can’t wait to read more! "

"This little book is a perfect introduction for the kiddo who loves animals. Did you know a horse's heart weighs 10lbs? You will after reading this book. I appreciate that this covers the fun and the sad parts of veterinary medicine. It also has a vocabulary section and a section on where to continue learning more about the field."

"This series is fantastic! I wish I would have had this type of book when I was younger… I’ve always loved animals. It’s such a great insight into the veterinarian profession. They discuss large animal veterinarians (like for horses) in addition to domestic and wildlife veterinarians. The illustrations are multicultural and use vivid illustrations. It is extremely informative and immersive, to the point where you almost feel like you’re with the vets learning about their jobs. I liked that it also includes equipment that they use."

"This book gives the highs and lows of veterinary medicine. As a vet myself, I enjoyed this book and how it talks about some of the mental hardships we face and doesn’t stress that we just play with puppies and kittens all day. It realistically describes the depth and commitment needed for this profession. It even includes a lot of different aspects most people don’t think veterinarians do, like food safety or public health. Highly recommend for anyone to read who wants/needs a better understanding of what a vet does!"

"Seeing this series of books on careers written for youth, I was curious what this one would present, since I have been a veterinarian for decades. I am impressed by the scope of detail presented in this one and by the way the information is shared in a personal fashion. I especially like the resources shared at the end of the book for any youth wanting to know more. This book can be an additional way for a veterinarian to share details about being a vet by recommending it to a youth's family member or to the youth themselves. Additionally, it is a clear, concise snapshot for anyone wanting to know more about what veterinarians do."

"This is a great book for kids that are interested in a career in veterinary medicine. It helps them realize the demands of the jobs as well as the rewards. Most people picture vets as someone who works in an office but vets can work outside at a farm or at a zoo too. They go through many years of school and work with many types of animals. This book gives great insight into the job and even shows what a day in the life of a vet would look like. If you have a child interested in veterinary medicine, this is a great read!"

"Wow, what a comprehensive look at what it takes to be a veterinarian. This book covers a lot of important topics - tools a vet needs, where they might work, and the difficult parts of being a veterinarian. It's honest and appropriate for kids. Extremely well done!"

"Wow! This book is very informative for the young person who dreams of working with animals. I have worked for many years in the veterinarian industry and the author has got this spot on. This is exactly what a veterinarian does and goes through daily. It is one of the best jobs as well as one of the hardest jobs. If your child is dreaming about becoming a veterinarian, this is a must read!"

"By far one of the best and most relatable in this series of books. Understanding the life of a veterinarian is essential for those young readers who aspire to make this their life career. Veterinarians are the interpreters and translators for the animals we seek help and care for. They are incredibly important in helping pet owners and animal care professionals provide the quality of life they deserve. This book explores the joy of being a veterinarian and the hardships of helping adults understand the limits of our medical support. A very worthy read which hopefully will inspire more to choose to follow this path."

"Great book full of information on veterinarians for kids! Even information that adults probably didn't know! This is great for any kid or even teenager to help them know what all it takes to be a veterinarian. It isn't quite what people imagine. There is a lot to being a doctor of animals and school is very competitive."

"I loved how well it explained the vast knowledge a veterinarian will need and the variety of animals they will be taking care of."

"This book is a very knowledgeable book. It is easy enough for a younger child to read and understand. It definitely helps to explain important facts about veterinarians and stirs up interest in becoming a veterinarian. It's very encouraging and I would recommend it to anyone thinking about becoming a vet or who love animals."

"A well-written and beautifully illustrated book. This book talks about the fun parts of being a vet, as well as the really difficult parts. Perfect for kids who want to grow up to help animals!"

"As a child I always wanted to be a veterinarian which is why I was intrigued by this book. I found it to be an excellent overview of this career for kids, preteens and even teens. The graphics were well illustrated, I enjoyed the day-to-day section as well as an overview of some of the instruments. I also appreciated the section on the downside to veterinarianism, I found it to be a sensitive yet honest approach to the situation. Additionally, the portion on how being a veterinarian helps people demonstrates how veterinarians can make a difference beyond the animals. I have enjoyed every book of the so you want to be…..series and would highly recommend it to parents, counselors, teachers, and even career placement professionals."

"This is a great read for adolescents that are interested in veterinary work. The book explained many parts of the job - the best aspects, the hardest, tools used, a typical day in the life - in adequate detail. It was also nice to see that the author did not overly simplify the job either because of the target audience. Everything was well written and honest, describing both positive and negative sides of becoming a veterinarian, rather than focusing one solely one or the other. I would highly recommend this book as a tool for kids that are interested in this field."

"This books is so helpful for any young adult or child to read if they want to be a Veterinarian! I wish I had something this informative and interesting as a child. The pictures are cute. Great explanations! Would recommend this for the young animal lover in your life."

"A perfect book for older kiddos wanting to be a veterinarian. It covers a typical day in the life and the various animals veterinarians treat. It also talks about traits vets should have."

"When I was a kid I always thought being a vet would be the best, to work with animals everyday. Now as an adult, I realize how difficult the job would be, but also so rewarding. I love my vet and so happy I found someone that I trust and my dogs also love. I hope this book helps someone find their calling!"

"Every book that this author produces is written with care, detail, research, and heart. I cannot recommend her books highly enough. This book will hold a special place for you if you are an animal lover. She goes deep into how a vet needs not only knowledge about an animal's body, but also how to observe patterns and behavior. Reading this book, a child will understand that being a vet isn't just about thinking an animal is cute, it's about helping families, running a business, and continuous learning. As always, the illustrations, glossary, additional resources, and author end notes provide enrichment to an already wonderful book."

"So You Want To Be A Veterinarian is an engaging and educational book that gives young animal lovers a fun look into the world of veterinary medicine. It explains what veterinarians do, the different animals they care for, the tools they use, and the education it takes to pursue this rewarding career. The writing is easy to understand, and the colorful, kid-friendly approach keeps readers interested from beginning to end. It’s an inspiring read for any child who dreams of helping animals one day!"

"It takes deep love for animals, lots of heart, and patience. You have to have an inquisitive mind and like mysteries, like a detective. Animals cannot talk to us... You have to watch and observe everything to see what is wrong."

"I loved how this book is written like a deeply respectful conversation that meets kids exactly eye-to-eye, with simple language that ignites the spark of curiosity. I liked how it framed that vets are like medical detectives or 'animal translators.'

I read it with my son who loves pets, and we discussed the part where it explains the diverse workplaces, because they're not only working in a clinic; they also go to farms, and there are also zoo vets and wildlife vets, which my son found to be very interesting. But our favorite part was the chapter 'A Day in the Life.'

Overall, it's a great book for kids because it has cute images, it goes straight to the point, and it doesn't have difficult or complex terms, so a kid can read it and understand it perfectly, despite it being quite a scientific topic."

"So You Want To Be A Veterinarian is an adorable and informative read for young animal lovers curious about what life as a veterinarian is really like. Aimed at kids ages 10 to 14, the book does a nice job of introducing the world of veterinary medicine in a way that feels approachable, engaging, and encouraging.

The book walks readers through the everyday realities of being a vet — from diagnosing mysterious illnesses in pets to handling emergencies and understanding how veterinarians care for animals that cannot simply explain what hurts. It highlights the mix of science, quick thinking, and compassion required for the job, giving younger readers a realistic glimpse into a career many dream about.

What I appreciated most was how cute and easy to follow the book felt. The illustrations and kid-friendly approach make it enjoyable without feeling overwhelming. While it does not go deeply into some of the more unpleasant or emotionally difficult sides of veterinary work, it still gives readers a solid idea of what the profession involves and the skills needed to succeed.

For kids seriously considering becoming a veterinarian someday, this is a great starting point. It respects young readers enough to explain real responsibilities while still keeping things encouraging and age appropriate.

Overall, I loved this book. It may not dive into every hard reality of the profession, but it offers a thoughtful, fun introduction that could easily inspire a future animal doctor. A cute, educational read that leaves young readers excited about caring for animals and learning more."

"This is a very informative description of Veterinarian life. I am not a veterinarian but understand better the struggles in making rapid decisions for the well being of pets. This would be a wonderful read for children interested in the Veterinary field."

"So you love animals? Want to be a Veterinarian? This is the perfect book for kids to read to learn how Veterinarians determine the species and how to take care of them!! It also shows kids what a day is like for a Veterinarian!! Kids will love learning what Veterinarians do and how they learned about taking care of animals!! Not just a book for ages 8-12, but adults might enjoying reading it as well!!"

"Being in the Veterinary field for almost 20 years, I LOVE THIS BOOK! The details of everything a Veterinarian has to learn, goes through daily, and how difficult it can be is laid out beautifully. Then to explain the absolute love for animals that is shown every day, is fantastic! Great read!"

"This book was super cute for my daughter who wants to be a vet. It gives a lot of information and facts, what a day in the life is like and realistic parts of the job. Perfect for kids."

"So Besties... do you have a young animal lover in your life? Well, here's a book that is such a sweet and informative read! I actually picked this up for my best friend's 10-year-old daughter because she dreams of becoming a veterinarian, and I know she's going to adore it. ☺️ I loved that the book doesn't just focus on caring for animals, but also highlights the meaningful relationships veterinarians build with both their patients and their owners. It also explores the different places vets can work, from neighborhood clinics to farms, making the career feel exciting and achievable. I even learned a few new things myself... like the squeeze cage! This is a wonderful introduction for curious kids (reading ages 8-12) who love animals."

"So You Want to Be a Veterinarian by Linda Soules is a must-read if your child loves animals and talks about becoming a vet. This book is an awesome career guide that does an amazing job of explaining what being a veterinarian is really like, without talking down to kids.

It covers everything: the different types of vets like small animal, large animal, exotic, and wildlife vets, what a typical day looks like, and the education path from high school through vet school. I appreciated that it’s both encouraging and realistic. It shares the rewarding parts of helping sick animals, but also talks honestly about the hard work, science classes, and emotional challenges involved.

The book is written in a clear, engaging style that’s perfect for grades 3-8 with ages 10-14. It includes fun facts, real examples, and advice on how kids can get started now by volunteering, reading, and learning about animal care. My 11-year-old read it in two days and is now making a plan for science classes in middle school.

This is not just a cute book about puppies. It’s a practical, inspiring resource for parents, teachers, homeschoolers, and any kid who is serious about animal medicine. Highly recommend it as the first step for any future veterinarian."

"It covers everything: from a day in the life, tools vets use, fun facts, famous veterinarians, and even ideas for kids interested in becoming a vet. It truly feels like a complete introduction to the career."

"I’ve never realized how much a vet actually does. In my mind you have tour clinics with dogs and cats, but it’s way more than that. It has never crossed my mind about the wild animals that need help too. I loved this. I bet it is so fun everyday."

"As someone who’s always wanted to be a vet, ever since I was really little, I’ve read a lot of these. And I mean a lot! 😂 but this one’s probably my favorite. It was clear and concise, the graphics added to it, and it didn’t just touch on the good. It explained the bad in a kid-friendly way that is easy to understand, makes sense, and wouldn’t feel scary to a younger kid. Another detail I loved was the mention of different types of vets. So often big, small, exotic, zoo, marine, etc., get grouped into one umbrella, but it’s really several different fields of study that all have their own complications. Highly recommend!"

"My daughter (18) has always wanted to be a vet and after getting a copy of this book and reading it with her, she wants to become a vet even more so now. She thought vets mostly hurt animals (shots and surgeries) but after reading this book she is now convinced her passion is becoming a vet. It was such a good informative book. And it explains everything is normal human terms 😂."

"ANY child wanting to be a Vet should read this book. VERY informative."

"This book provides a realistic look at what being a vet is like and the different types of vets, helping kids make educated decisions about whether this would be a good career choice for them."

"Very informative! My 10 year old wants to be a vet and this was great info."

"I have never read any of the 'So You Want to Be'...books. WOW! There is so much information to absorb that you have to read it in sections. I would say my ten year old grandson would love the book, but to comprehend all of the information he would need to read it over a period of time and in small increments.

I know there is a lot of detail involved and that is what will help the young person reading them make a decision on whether that job is truly what they are looking for, however it almost could be designed more like a chapter book.

The illustrations are very on point also.

The author takes great detail learning every step of these occupations and the book would definitely be a great addition to even children a bit older. I know I am past working age however I had no idea some of the responsibilities of the veterinarians.

Great job. Great detail."

"I loved every bit of this book. Step by step detail on actions needed to become a vet. Great illustrations too!"

"So You Want To Be A Veterinarian is an illustrated guide for kids ages 10 to 14 who feel drawn to animals and want to know what it really means to build a career caring for them. The emotional honesty is where Soules distinguishes this from a purely promotional career guide. The years of chemistry, biology, and animal science required before touching a patient are laid out plainly. The physical demands of working with large or frightened animals get their due. It shows both sides of the coin and leaves the decision to the readers."

"I wish I had this book at age 11.

So You Want To Be A Veterinarian is the book I needed back when I thought being a vet just meant playing with puppies all day. Linda Soules gives young readers ages 10 to 14 the real version of this job the science driven, demanding, and deeply compassionate version. And she does it without ever talking down.

The book opens with a line that stuck with me: The animal doesn't tell you where it hurts. It can't describe the pain, point to the problem, or say how long it has been this way. That is not an obstacle in this work. That is the work. From there, you’re pulled straight into what veterinarians actually do.

First, you get the truth about training. The years of rigorous study before the first patient. The anatomy you have to learn across dozens of species. The surgical techniques you practice until they are second nature. The diagnostic tools you use to find what cannot be seen. It’s a lot, and the book doesn’t pretend otherwise. But it explains it in short, clear sections so it never feels overwhelming.

Second, you get the scope of the profession. This isn’t only about the family dog. Readers see wellness exams and emergency surgery, but also wildlife medicine with animals that cannot be touched, and work in public health. The book shows how vets work as a team and how they read what a creature cannot say in its posture, its breathing, its eyes. For a curious kid, that turns a general love of animals into a real understanding of the skill involved.

Third, you get honesty about the cost and the reward. The book covers the emotional and physical demands, the fast diagnoses and the ones that take everything you have, and the moments when an animal’s life depends on getting it right. It also shows why the people who do this work say there is nothing else they could imagine doing. That balance matters. Kids deserve both sides.

The illustrations are exceptional, like in every title in this series. Colorful images appear on nearly every page and make complex ideas accessible. For younger readers around 8 to 9, the book works as a visual companion with an adult. For middle readers 10 to 12, it hits the sweet spot for independent reading and career curiosity. For older readers 13 to 14 and beyond, it becomes a real tool for figuring out next steps.

There is even a section on what young people can do right now to see if this might be their calling.

For the kid who kneels down beside every animal they meet and feels something shift, this book is a gift. It’s honest, specific, and genuinely illuminating. The patient is waiting. And after reading this, you’ll understand what it means to speak its language."