What Did Libby Do?: Fun Activity Ideas

Set up a play veterinary clinic at home to learn how doctors care for pets like Libby. Discussion Tip: Ask your child, "How do you think Libby felt when she had to visit the vet, and how can we help pets feel safe when they are sick or hurt?"

Instructions:

1. Lay out a soft towel on a table to serve as the veterinary examination bed for a plush puppy.

2. Create a health check chart using paper and markers to record heartbeats, temperature checks, and gentle tail wags.

3. Wrap gentle gauze bandages around the toy puppy's paws while practicing soft words of encouragement.

4. Roleplay asking the puppy gentle questions and rewarding brave behavior with imaginary healthy treats.

You will need:

• Book and read along

• Stuffed animal dog

• Gauze bandage roll

• Washable markers

• Paper play chart

Children learn which human foods are safe or hazardous for pets through a hands-on sorting game inspired by Libby's adventure. Discussion Tip: Ask your child, "Why do you think some foods that are delicious for humans might make puppies feel sick?"

Instructions:

1. Cut out paper circles to represent different food items like apples, carrots, and chocolate bars.

2. Draw a green checkmark on pet-safe foods and a red X on unsafe foods like chocolate and grapes.

3. Create two paper sorting plates labeled "Safe for Pets" and "Keep Away from Pets".

4. Practice sorting the cut-out food items onto the correct plates with your child while discussing pet safety.

You will need:

• Book and read along

• Construction Paper

• Crayons

• Safety Scissors

Children transform accidental scribbles into creative masterpieces, connecting with Libby's journey of making mistakes and fixing them. Discussion Tip: Ask your child, "What can we do when we make a mistake to help turn things around?"

Instructions:

1. Make an intentional random scribble or squiggle line on a blank sheet of paper using a dark marker.

2. Look at the scribble together and brainstorm what funny animal or object it could become.

3. Add colorful lines, details, and googly eyes to turn the squiggle into a silly puppy or friendly monster.

4. Write the phrase "Mistakes Help Us Learn!" at the top of the artwork as a daily reminder.

You will need:

• Book and read along

• Drawing Paper

• Washable Markers

• Googly Eyes

• Glue Stick

Craft official Critter Care Crew badges to practice teamwork, responsibility, and caring for household pets. Discussion Tip: Ask your child, "What special skills or helpful jobs can you contribute when working on a team?"

Instructions:

1. Cut a large star or shield shape out of sturdy cardstock paper.

2. Dip your child's thumb in washable paint and press it onto the badge to make a cute paw print shape.

3. Decorate the badge with markers, writing "Official Critter Care Member" and your child's name.

4. Attach a piece of colorful ribbon to the back and wear the badge while doing pet care chores around the house.

You will need:

• Book and read along

• Cardstock

• Ribbon

• Washable Paint

• Safety Pin

Create an interactive floor maze with painter's tape to help guide Libby safely away from household hazards. Discussion Tip: Ask your child, "How can we make sure our home is a safe place for curiosity and exploration?"

Instructions:

1. Use painter's tape to lay out a winding path or maze on a clean living room floor.

2. Place paper plates along the maze depicting safe zones (water bowl, dog bed) and hazard zones (trash can, chocolate box).

3. Guide a toy puppy along the taped trail, avoiding the hazard plates and navigating safely to the puppy bed.

4. Talk about what to do if a pet ever gets near a dangerous object in real life.

You will need:

• Book and read along

• Painter's Tape

• Toy Puppy

• Paper Plates