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What Did Libby Do? Author Q&A with a Real Veterinarian
Join author Dr. Gal Chivvis as she answers kids' questions about pet care, veterinary life, and animal safety.
Welcome back to Kids Ask Authors Answer, a joyful video series where children’s curiosity meets author creativity! Each episode brings together real kids and children’s book authors for a read-aloud followed by spontaneous, unscripted Q&A sessions.
The twist? The authors never see the questions ahead of time, so every answer is genuine, often funny, and always full of heart.
In this episode, hosts Amy Doslich and Samantha (Sam) Howard-Els read What Did Libby Do? by Dr. Gal Chivvis, a fun, rhyming picture book about a curious puppy who gets into a little trouble. As kids follow Libby’s mischievous adventure, they learn about pet safety, veterinary care, teamwork, compassion, and the importance of asking for help.
Perfect for animal-loving kids, this episode is filled with questions about pets, animals, veterinary medicine, and what inspired Dr. Chivvis to write Libby’s story. Her answers spark meaningful conversations about caring for animals and following your dreams.
Amy Doslich is the author and illustrator behind the beloved Hannah Banana and Mary Berry series, a collection inspired by her two daughters. Her stories are known for their warmth, humor, and family-centered adventures.
Samantha Howard-Els brings her own sparkle as the creator of the Mungo series and Tiny Boo, books that mix kindness, curiosity, and Halloween fun.
This time they’re joined by Dr. Gal Chivvis, a veterinarian and the author of What Did Libby Do? She shares what inspired Libby’s adventure, what it’s like to work with animals, and how her veterinary experience influenced the story. Her answers offer a fun, behind-the-scenes look at caring for pets and creating a children’s book.
The Story of Libby: A Lesson in Pet Safety
The book follows Libby as she follows her nose to the kitchen counter while her parents are away. Despite knowing she shouldn't, she can’t resist the "gooey and yummy" snacks left out. When her parents return, they find the house upturned and Libby "shaky and sick."
In a clever twist of fiction, the family rushes Libby to the "Critter Care Crew," where the vet uses a special machine that translates barks into words on a screen. Through this machine, Libby explains that she was bored, smelled something sweet, and ate the snacks, but now her whole body shakes and she feels queasy.
During the read-along, Dr. Chivvis explains the medical reality behind the story. While chocolate smells sweet to dogs, it is a "dangerous treat." As the vet in the book warns, eating too much chocolate can lead to vomiting, shaking, loose stools, and even heart damage.
For Libby, the story ends happily: she receives fluids and medication, stays overnight for observation, and learns to "change her old ways" by resisting snacks even when her tummy grumbles.
Behind the Scenes with Dr. Gal Chivvis
After the story, Dr. Chivvis sat down to answer questions from curious kids. The conversation touched on everything from the long road to becoming a veterinarian to the funny antics seen in an emergency clinic.
The Path to Becoming a Veterinarian
Becoming a vet is no small feat. Dr. Chivvis explained that it requires a significant commitment to education:
High School: The foundation of your learning.
Undergraduate Degree: Typically four years of college.
Veterinary School: Another four years of specialized medical training.
Internships/Residencies: Optional additional years for those who want to specialize.
Dr. Chivvis decided to follow this path because she loved helping animals and educating people. It also runs in the family; her father is a pediatrician, which helped her realize that medicine, whether for humans or animals, was her calling.
Life in the Emergency Room
Working as an emergency vet is different from a regular family vet. Dr. Chivvis noted that while she often sees very sick animals, there are lighthearted moments too. She shared a funny story about "miracle recoveries" where owners insist an animal cannot walk and need a gurney, only for the pet to leap off the ground and lead the entire veterinary team on a chase across the clinic the moment they arrive.
Expert Advice for Pet Owners
The young audience had very practical questions about how to keep their pets safe at home, leading to some great advice from the doctor.
Household Safety and "Responsible" Families
One reader, Lorna, asked why Libby’s family wasn't more responsible, specifically why they didn't put treats in a cupboard. Dr. Chivvis explained that the story was actually based on her own dog, who managed to jump from a stool to a table and then to a counter.
"Nobody expects your dog to start jumping on the furniture like that," she said. It serves as a reminder to pet owners that even "out of reach" items might not be safe if you have a particularly determined or athletic pup.
What Should Dogs Eat?
When it comes to diet, Dr. Chivvis emphasized that sticking to pet food is best. However, some "people treats" are safe in moderation:
Safe: Baby carrots and plain, unsalted peanut butter, boiled chicken breast (no seasoning).
Dangerous: Chocolate, grapes, and seasoned meats like rotisserie chicken, which can cause pancreatitis or stomach upset.
Pro-Tip for Medicine: Dr. Chivvis shared a "nurse trick" for giving dogs pills. They put the pill in a glob of peanut butter and "adhere the whole wad to the roof of their mouth." Because it’s sticky, the dog has to swallow it rather than spitting the medicine back out.
Advice for Future Veterinarians
For children who dream of wearing the white coat one day, Dr. Chivvis offered heartening advice. She suggested starting young by learning to respect animals and their space.
"Use your senses," she advised. "Since animals can't talk, we have to look, feel, and observe their behavior and movements to understand what they need."
She also encouraged older children to volunteer at shelters or shadow a local vet to see the reality of the job. While it’s not all "puppies and kittens and kisses," it is a rewarding career in complex medicine.
Fun Facts and Easter Eggs
The episode concluded with some fun trivia about the book and the veterinary world:
The Hidden Gecko: On every page of What Did Libby Do?, there is a hidden leopard gecko. Dr. Chivvis chose a gecko because they always look like they are smiling.
Animal Terms: Did you know a female cat is called a "Queen" (if she is intact), and a male cat is called a "Tom"?
The Translation Machine: While the bark-to-speech machine in the book is fictional, Dr. Chivvis included it because she wanted to give the animals a "voice" to tell their side of the story.
Whether you are a pet owner or an aspiring vet, the story of Libby reminds us that while pets make mistakes, with a little help from the "Critter Care Crew" and a lot of love from their families, they can learn to stay safe and healthy.
For parents and educators, Libby’s story opens the door to conversations about pet safety, caring for animals, asking for help, and understanding the important work veterinarians do. For young readers, it offers humor, adventure, and a reminder that mistakes can happen to anyone, including our favorite furry friends.
In the end, What Did Libby Do? reminds us that curiosity is part of learning, and sometimes the best thing we can do is ask for help when we need it.
Want to Grab a Copy of What Did Libby Do?
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Amy Doslich – Hannah Banana and Mary Berry series*: https://amzn.to/4eLoZ3G
Samantha Howard-Els – Mungo series & Tiny Boo*: https://amzn.to/3CBx9OF
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