The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate

Callie is interested in science and wants to be a veterinarian so she practices when the local vet is away. But it was tougher in the early 20^th century when girls couldn’t do everything that they do today. Callie, however, helps a prize sheep give birth and more in the latest, lively and engaging installment about Callie and her family. From the Calournia Tate, Girl Vet series.

Toad, Mole, Rat and Badger are back in this sequel to Kenneth Grahame’s 1908 Wind in the Willows. Though several new characters are introduced, the lush language evokes the original saga and may lead readers to revisit the original.

In early 20^th century Fentress, Texas, girls aren’t veterinarians and skunks are not pets. That doesn’t stop Calpurnia from aspiring to be a vet nor her younger brother Travis from rescuing two kits — baby skunks —  and calling on Callie for help.  Humor and pathos emerge as Callie narrates this episode. Gentle line drawings add flavor to the setting and characters in the first of a new easier to read historical fiction series. 

Calpurnia Tate and her grandfather, both naturalists, travel on the San Marco River to observe nature in and around the river. When they rescue a sick owl from the water Callie and her grandfather must figure out what’s wrong with the owl before it’s too late to save it. This is a worthy addition to the Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet series.