Compassion, courage, and a cat in crisis come together in What's Wrong with Tom? A Veterinary Tale of Courage and Compassion, the debut picture book in the Critter Care Crew series by veterinarian and homeschool mom, Dr. Gal Chivvis. Recently awarded the Literary Titan Gold Book Award, this engaging and educational children’s story offers a playful yet profound introduction to veterinary care and empathy for pets.
When playful Thomas “Tom” LeBrat, a fun-loving cat, suddenly falls ill, his devoted family and the clever Critter Care Crew must unravel the mystery behind his sudden health emergency. Through courage, teamwork, and a dash of feline resilience, Tom’s journey teaches children about compassion, advocacy, and the importance of caring for others.
Written in lyrical rhyme and enriched with a surprise storytelling element that gives readers a glimpse into Tom’s thoughts, What’s Wrong with Tom? blends imagination with real-world veterinary insight. Perfect for children ages 4–8, the book introduces young readers to the world of animal healthcare while fostering curiosity, confidence, and kindness.
Highlights include:
- A gentle introduction to veterinary care and pet emergencies
- Social-emotional learning themes of empathy, advocacy, and teamwork
- Vibrant illustrations paired with rhythm and humor
- A glossary of veterinary terms and a kid-friendly stress management guide
The book has already garnered critical praise. In a glowing review, Literary Titan called it “a charming and educational story that’s perfectly tailored for young readers… a delightful story and a valuable teaching tool.”
What’s Wrong with Tom? is the first in a planned series of Critter Care Crew adventures and builds on Dr. Chivvis’s passion for veterinary education. This release follows the success of her acclaimed nonfiction book, The Dog Owner’s Guide to Health Emergencies, which also received the Literary Titan Gold Book Award in the nonfiction category.
What’s Wrong with Tom? is available now on Kindle, and in paperback and hardcover on Amazon and other popular retailers.
The hardcover edition is published through IngramSpark, ensuring wide distribution to multiple retailers beyond Amazon.
About the Author
Dr. Gal Chivvis is a veterinarian, homeschool mom, and award-winning author who combines her passion for animals, education, and storytelling. Her writing journey began after the birth of her first child, when she was inspired to add to the magic of children’s stories. Years later, she merged her veterinary expertise with her love for storytelling, leading to the creation of What’s Wrong with Tom? and the Critter Care Crew series.
In addition to children’s picture books, Dr. Chivvis has authored educational coloring books for kids and adults, a pet-themed activity book, and The Dog Owner’s Guide to Health Emergencies, which received the Literary Titan Gold Book Award. She is also the founder of CritterCareCollective.com, a trusted source for veterinarian-approved pet care education.
Balancing life as a veterinarian, writer, homeschooler, and mom of two (plus three lively Pomeranians), Dr. Chivvis believes in transparency, humor, and embracing the beautiful chaos of everyday life.
Media Contact
Company Name: Literary Titan
Contact Person: The DVM Author
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
Website: https://www.thedvmauthor.com/
