Lucas, Kid Veterinarian

By Sarah Michaels

Dive into the delightful world of Lucas, a spirited 10-year-old with a heart brimming with love for animals! From the first wounded sparrow that stumbles into his life to the bustling pet fair that sweeps his entire neighborhood off its feet, Lucas's journey is one of ambition, friendship, and sheer determination. This middle-grade marvel is brimming with wit, warmth, and a whirlwind of furry (and feathery) encounters.

 

But Lucas isn't alone! Joining him is the ever-enthusiastic Mia, his sidekick in all things veterinarian. Together, they navigate the challenges and joys of animal care, from backyard clinics to professional vet visits, learning heartwarming lessons along the way. 

 

Children will be engrossed, adults will reminisce their childhood dreams, and everyone will be googling "How to set up a pet fair!" by the end. And don't miss the special glossary tailored for young readers, making animal care lingo as fun as a game of fetch!

• Language: English
• Publisher: SD
• Release date: Jul 24, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223299561

Book preview

prologue: the curious case of the vanishing veggies

In the particularly picturesque town of Whistlewood, where the sun always seemed to shine a tad bit brighter and the flowers bowed in a perfectly choreographed dance, there was a mystery afoot. It wasn’t the kind of mystery that had detectives scratching their heads or old Mrs. Whittleby peering out from behind her lacy curtains. No, it was a far more pressing matter, especially if you asked Mr. Higgins, the greengrocer.

Lucas! exclaimed Mr. Higgins, his voice somewhere between disbelief and desperation, as he watched his spinach patch curiously deplete in front of him. Do you see this?

Lucas, who had been intently examining a particularly interesting caterpillar, looked up, adjusting the glasses that perched on the bridge of his nose. See what, Mr. Higgins?

The spinach, Lucas! It's... it's vanishing!

Lucas squinted and, indeed, where there had once been a lush, green patch of spinach, there now existed a scene of curious decimation. 

That is peculiar, Lucas mused. 

Mia, Lucas's ever-curious companion in most adventures (and misadventures), chimed in, Maybe you have a ghost, Mr. Higgins. A ghost that’s taken to healthy eating?

Mr. Higgins frowned, not quite sure if he was being teased. Now, Mia, ghosts munching on spinach? Really?

She shrugged, her eyes twinkling. You never know. Maybe it’s a new age ghost.

Lucas chuckled, then knelt down, examining the soil. No ghostly footprints, he declared solemnly, trying hard to suppress a grin. But look here, he continued, pointing to a tiny trail leading away from the devastated spinach patch. Tracks!

Mia squinted, then exclaimed, Bunnies! Mr. Higgins, you have a case of the bunny bandits!

Lucas nodded in agreement, Seems so. But don’t worry, Mr. Higgins, we’ll help you find a way to protect your veggies without causing harm to our fluffy friends.

As the trio began brainstorming ways to secure the precious produce, Mrs. Gray, the baker from across the street, hurried over, her apron flapping in the gentle Whistlewood breeze.

It’s not just the spinach! she declared dramatically. My strawberries! Someone’s had a feast with my strawberries!

Lucas and Mia exchanged a glance, their shared look saying, The game is afoot.

As the town buzzed with tales of disappearing veggies and fruit, Lucas and Mia took it upon themselves to crack the case. They became quite the local legends, with children from all over Whistlewood coming forth with their observations and findings.

Saw a squirrel making off with an entire tomato! declared little Tommy, his eyes wide with the thrill of his discovery.

I believe the raccoons are in on it too, whispered Sarah, her fingers crossed as if sharing state secrets. Saw one sneaking off with a bunch of grapes.

Lucas and Mia jotted down notes, piecing together the puzzle. And while the duo was busy playing detective, they still had school projects to finish, bicycle races to win, and yes, the occasional argument over whether ice cream or sorbet was superior.

Every evening, after a day filled with sleuthing and schoolwork, Lucas and Mia would sit in his backyard, which also doubled up as his animal clinic. They'd go over their notes, often surrounded by a menagerie of pets from around Whistlewood.

One evening, as Lucas