Trickster (Vet Volunteers Book 3)
#3 of 17 in Vet Volunteers Series
on Goodreads (455)
What’s inside...
When he and the other volunteers at Dr. Mac's veterinary clinic go to help out at Quinn's Stables, David makes several serious mistakes and must prove he can be trusted before Mr. Quinn will let him even be around the spirited horse that David wants to ride. As soon as he sees Trickster, the new horse at Quinn’s Stables, David knows he’s found the horse he was born to ride. But David’s got a reputation as a troublemaker and Trickster’s still recuperating from an accident. David is determined to clear his name and prove to Mr. Quinn that he’s worth taking a chance on. Can he reach his goal? Each of these exciting stories, told in the voice of one of the 11-year-old volunteers at the Wild at Heart Animal Clinic, offers a first-hand account of animal emergencies and rescues. This series is sure to win the hearts of readers who are wild about animals. It's love at first sight for David when he meets a spirited, sleek quarter horse named Trickster. David can't wait to ride him. But because of a foolish trip to the mall on horseback last year, he must prove to Trickster's owner that he can be trusted.
Character compass
David
Dr. Mac
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the characters to help animals in 'Trickster'?
How do you think the characters felt when they successfully helped an animal?
What would you have done differently if you were in the characters' shoes?
Can you think of ways we could help animals in our community?
What did you learn about teamwork and responsibility from the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story without interruption. Relate the characters’ experiences to your child’s personal experiences with pets or animals. Discuss the importance of responsibility and empathy towards animals. Use examples from the book to highlight how small actions can make a big difference. Lastly, commend your child's input and insights to foster a positive discussion environment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: The story illustrates how the young volunteers learn to care for and understand the emotions of the animals in distress, fostering a deep sense of empathy and compassion.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to recognize and respond to the feelings and needs of others around them, whether it’s family, friends, or pets.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Characters in the book take on tasks appropriate for their age but crucial for the care of animals, showcasing how taking responsibility leads to positive outcomes.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to take charge of their duties, whether it’s homework, chores, or caring for a pet, understanding that their actions have a direct impact on others.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The book highlights the importance of working together towards a common goal, as the volunteers often collaborate to solve problems and care for animals.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of cooperation and how working with others can achieve greater results than working alone.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters encounter various challenges which require creative thinking and determination to resolve.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children how to approach problems in their own lives calmly and innovatively, making them better equipped to face daily challenges.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature and Animals
Explanation: The narrative reinforces the importance of treating all living beings with respect and kindness, echoing the need for wildlife conservation.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this to their interactions with nature and animals, fostering a generation that values and protects the environment.