Here you’ll find a variety of lesson plans, with one for each age group. Feel free to mix and match the activities that work best for your students. There’s also an alternative lesson plan at the end for even more flexibility.
Note the Optional Q&A won't be available until after the live interview with the author.
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Pre-K Lesson Plan (Ages 3-4)
Learning Objectives
Identify gentle ways to care for family pets
Understand that asking for help when mistakes happen is important
Recognize basic emotions and curiosity through puppy actions
Materials
Book and/or Read Along Video
Procedure (30 minutes)
(5 mins) Lead a warm-up circle discussion about pets and curiosity. How do pets show that they are curious about something new? What are some objects in a home that pets should not touch or eat? What should you do if a pet accidentally makes a mess? How do grown-ups help us stay safe?
(10 mins) Watch the read along video of What Did Libby Do? while encouraging students to observe how Libby feels and how the veterinarian helps her.
(10 mins) Guide students in drawing a picture of a helpful pet caregiver or veterinarian treating an animal with gentle care.
(5 mins) Wrap up with a reflection activity where students share their drawings and talk about who they turn to when they make a mistake or need help.
Discussion & Extension Questions
Why was Libby so curious about her surroundings?
How did Libby feel when she got into trouble?
Who came to help Libby when she needed medical attention?
What are some foods or items that are safe for people but dangerous for pets?
What should you do if you or your pet makes a mistake or gets hurt?
Kindergarten Lesson Plan - Age 5
Learning Objectives
Distinguish between safe and unsafe items for pets
Explain the importance of teamwork when solving problems
Recognize the role of a veterinarian in keeping animals healthy
Materials
Book and/or Read Along Video
Procedure (35 minutes + 20 minutes optional Q&A)
(5 mins) Conduct an opening discussion about animal safety and helpers in the community. What community helpers take care of sick or injured animals? Why is it important to ask a grown-up before feeding a pet human food? How do families work together when a pet needs special care? How do you feel when you accidentally do something wrong?
(10 mins) Watch the read along video of What Did Libby Do? and ask students to pay close attention to the rhyming words and story events.
(10 mins) Facilitate a group discussion about the book events and create a poster listing pet safety tips. What mistake did Libby make in the story? Why is chocolate bad for dogs? How did the family and the Critter Care Crew work as a team to help Libby?
(10 mins) Have students create a Pet Safety Badge on construction paper to show how they can protect pets at home.
(20 mins) Watch the author's Q&A interview video. Lead a discussion prompting students to come up with new questions they would like to ask the author. Example questions to start: "What inspired you to write this?", "How did you choose the characters?"
Discussion & Extension Questions
How did Libby get into trouble in the story?
Why did Libby's family call the Critter Care Crew?
What special job does a veterinarian do to care for animals?
How did the story show that making a mistake is okay if you seek help?
What are three important safety rules to keep dogs healthy at home?
1st Grade Lesson Plan - Age 6
Learning Objectives
Identify rhyming patterns and rhythm within narrative poetry
Understand basic pet hazards including chocolate toxicity
Demonstrate problem-solving and asking for help during emergencies
Materials
Book and/or Read Along Video
Procedure (40 minutes + 20 minutes optional Q&A)
(5 mins) Initiate a pre-reading discussion on health and learning from mistakes. What should you do immediately if someone or an animal gets hurt or sick? Why is it crucial to tell the truth right away when a mistake happens? What are some ways we show compassion to others when they are feeling scared? How can rhyming words make a story fun to listen to?
(10 mins) Watch the read along video of What Did Libby Do? encouraging students to listen for rhyming couplets and key plot points.
(10 mins) Lead a detailed text discussion analyzing story details and veterinarian concepts. What rhyming words did you hear during the read along? Why was chocolate dangerous for Libby to ingest? How did the veterinarian demonstrate compassion and skill while treating Libby?
(15 mins) Have students write and illustrate a two-sentence story about a time they learned from a mistake or helped an animal.
(20 mins) Watch the author's Q&A interview video. Lead a discussion prompting students to come up with new questions they would like to ask the author. Example questions to start: "What inspired you to write this?", "How did you choose the characters?"
Discussion & Extension Questions
What specific mistake did Libby make, and how did it affect her health?
How did Libby's perspective give us insight into her thoughts and feelings?
Why is teamwork essential when caring for a pet in crisis?
What veterinary terms did you learn from the story, and what do they mean?
How can we show courage and honesty when we make a mistake?
2nd Grade Lesson Plan - Age 7
Learning Objectives
Analyze character perspective and emotional growth throughout a story
Examine veterinary concepts and pet health hazards
Create a story map outlining problem conflict and resolution
Materials
Book and/or Read Along Video
Procedure (45 minutes + 20 minutes optional Q&A)
(5 mins) Lead an introductory class discussion on pet care responsibilities. What responsibilities do families have when adopting a pet? How do doctors and veterinarians use science to keep patients healthy? What does compassion look like in action during a difficult situation? Why is it helpful to understand a character's internal thoughts in a book?
(15 mins) Watch the read along video of What Did Libby Do? while noting rhyming patterns and veterinary vocabulary terms.
(10 mins) Facilitate a comprehensive story analysis discussion. How did Libby's perspective help readers understand her actions? What role did the veterinarian play in guiding both Libby and her family? What did the story teach about common household hazards like chocolate for pets? How did courage and compassion lead to a positive resolution?
(15 mins) Guide students in completing a Problem and Solution story map detailing Libby's journey from curiosity to recovery.
(20 mins) Watch the author's Q&A interview video. Lead a discussion prompting students to come up with new questions they would like to ask the author. Example questions to start: "What inspired you to write this?", "How did you choose the characters?"
Discussion & Extension Questions
How does the author use rhyme and rhythm to build excitement and emotion?
What inner thoughts did Libby share that made her relatable to readers?
Why are certain human foods toxic to animals, and how can we prevent accidents?
How did the Critter Care Crew display effective communication and teamwork?
What lessons about forgiveness and responsibility can we apply to our own lives?
Alternative Lesson Plan - Ages 3 - 7
Learning Objectives
Explore animal safety and community helper roles through active listening
Express empathy and problem-solving through art and discussion
Identify gentle pet handling practices across age groups
Materials
Book and/or Read Along Video
Procedure (35 minutes)
(5 mins) Begin with a flexible group discussion tailored for mixed ages. What makes animals so fun and curious? What are some gentle ways we can interact with pets? Who are the people in our community who help animals stay safe and healthy? What should we do if an animal needs medical help?
(15 mins) Watch the read along video of What Did Libby Do? inviting students to react to Libby's adventure.
(10 mins) Discuss the story and work collaboratively on a group collage depicting safe items for pets versus items pets should avoid. What did Libby learn after getting into trouble? How did her family show love and care during the emergency? How can we help keep pets safe in our homes?
(5 mins) Share collage projects as a group and summarize key ideas about pet safety and asking for assistance.
Discussion & Extension Questions
What made Libby get into trouble, and how could it have been avoided?
How did the veterinarian make Libby feel safe during her visit?
Why is it important to tell an adult right away if a pet eats something unsafe?
What are some ways we can show kindness to pets when they are sick?
What is the most important lesson Libby learned in this story?