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The Imaginary Veterinary #2
The Lonely Lake Monster
Pearl Petal and Ben Silverstein can't wait for their first official day as apprentices of Dr. Woo, veterinarian for imaginary creatures. That is, until they are tasked with clipping the sasquatch's toenails. Gross!
Then Pearl spots a monster in the lake behind the hospital. Even though they were told not to leave the building for any reason, Pearl sets off for a closer look, with Ben trailing cautiously behind.
The outing goes awry when Ben is captured by the creature and held hostage on an island in the middle of the lake. It's up to Pearl to hatch a rescue mission. Will she save the day or cement her reputation as the town troublemaker? And will the hospital's secret patient be able to help?
Suzanne Selfors takes readers on an incredible adventure full of mythical creatures and astonishing discoveries that are anything but imaginary.
This book includes bonus writing, art, and science activities that will help readers discover more about the mythological creatures featured in The Lonely Lake Monster . These activities are designed for the home and the classroom. Enjoy doing them on your own or with friends!
Then Pearl spots a monster in the lake behind the hospital. Even though they were told not to leave the building for any reason, Pearl sets off for a closer look, with Ben trailing cautiously behind.
The outing goes awry when Ben is captured by the creature and held hostage on an island in the middle of the lake. It's up to Pearl to hatch a rescue mission. Will she save the day or cement her reputation as the town troublemaker? And will the hospital's secret patient be able to help?
Suzanne Selfors takes readers on an incredible adventure full of mythical creatures and astonishing discoveries that are anything but imaginary.
This book includes bonus writing, art, and science activities that will help readers discover more about the mythological creatures featured in The Lonely Lake Monster . These activities are designed for the home and the classroom. Enjoy doing them on your own or with friends!
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2013
112 people are currently reading
437 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Selfors
67 books844 followersSuzanne Selfors lives on an island near Seattle where it rains all the time, which is why she tends to write about cloudy, moss-covered, green places.
She's married, has two kids, and writes full time.
Her favorite writers are Kurt Vonnegut, Charles Dickens, and most especially, Roald Dahl.
Please visit her at www.suzanneselfors.com to learn more about her books.
She's married, has two kids, and writes full time.
Her favorite writers are Kurt Vonnegut, Charles Dickens, and most especially, Roald Dahl.
Please visit her at www.suzanneselfors.com to learn more about her books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
March 26, 2015
I really like the shoes the leprechaun made.
I'm wondering what the shoes are for.
I'm wondering what the shoes are for.
April 27, 2014
The second title in The Imaginary Veterinary series follow Pearl Petal and Ben Silverstein on their inaugural day as apprentices to the mysterious Dr. Woo. Although they have been given conditions to follow in order to keep them safe from harm as they work, Pearl can't manage to contain her curiosity. They end up meeting up with a watery creature who lives in the nearby lake and suffers from acute loneliness. Pearl is the one who figures a solution to the lake monster's problems, and readers will see a hint of what she does from her treatment of her own bird earlier in the book. The book is funny, and the characters are interesting enough to keep readers turning the book's pages. Since the creatures that are helped in Dr. Woo's hospital are all imaginary, there is much room for adventures in the books to come in the series. I also liked the map and illustrations that appear in the book.
February 24, 2019
Good book with the kids
May 18, 2021
The kids love this series of books!
October 8, 2021
Tohle byla zase pěkná ňuňárna.
read-with-hudson
January 12, 2022Fun read aloud. We're flying through this series
May 5, 2018
Not sure why I listened to this one without my granddaughter, with whom I listened to the first one. Another trip over the mountains and back, and, again, it was a fun companion like the first one. I enjoyed the first one better. Maybe I just like Sasquatch more than lake monsters and leprechauns.
April 29, 2014
The first successful bedtime chapter books for both boys (at ages 4/5 and 6). I can see both boys reading this series on their own when they are a little older.
April 23, 2014
not as fun as book #1 but enjoyable enough that I will continue with the series
I especially like the author's post-script with 'lessons' about imaginary creatures
I especially like the author's post-script with 'lessons' about imaginary creatures
March 15, 2021
Cute book! Not to difficult of a read and appropriate content for a 2nd grader. Can’t wait to continue the series.
October 7, 2024
In this second book of "The Imaginary Veterinary" series, city boy Ben and small-town girl Pearl, aged 10, begin their apprenticeship at Dr. Woo's Worm Hospital with a simple but icky assignment: trimming the Sasquatch's toenails. Pretty soon, Pearl gets distracted, as she does. You can't blame her, because the distraction takes the form of a lake monster, like the Loch Ness Monster except in sharper focus. She's another creature from the Imaginary World, crossed over into the Known World to seek treatment by Dr. Woo. But she isn't harmless. When the kids run down to the lake shore for a closer look, she kidnaps Ben and tries to keep him as a pet on an island in the middle of the lake.
Pearl doesn't want to lose the boy who just might prove to be her best friend. She doesn't want to lose her job. But getting Ben back from the lake monster without getting caught will require her to break all the rules laid down at the beginning of their internship. She'll have to leave the building, obviously. She'll have to take a magical being out into the Known World. And she'll have to risk revealing Dr. Woo's secrets to the nosiest busybody in town, the horrid Welcome Wagon lady who keeps pounding on the locked gate, demanding to be shown around the place. Also, the magical creature she calls upon for help is one that hates humans and, to force him to help her, she must do the thing that'll definitely make him mad. Like stealing a leprechaun's gold. Exactly like that.
This is part 2 of a series of which I've already read books 1, 3 and 4. Like the other installments, it's effervesces with laughter, magic and a compassion for all kinds of people (except, perhaps, nosy busybodies). It throws a girl with a talent for trouble together with a boy who's known to worry, hesitate and, when backed into a corner, make up whoppers. They make a great team and play off of each other wonderfully, growing as characters as a result. And the cast of zany characters inhabiting the tiny, depressed town of Buttonville only adds to the fun.
For those of you reading the books in order, the next installment will be The Rain Dragon Rescue. For me, it'll be (or rather, already was) book 5, The Griffin's Riddle. Selfors' other titles include Smells Like Dog and its two sequels, a bunch of "Ever After High" books including A Semi-Charming Kind of Life and Hero Training and several other books, including Fortune's Magic Farm and The Sweetest Spell.
Pearl doesn't want to lose the boy who just might prove to be her best friend. She doesn't want to lose her job. But getting Ben back from the lake monster without getting caught will require her to break all the rules laid down at the beginning of their internship. She'll have to leave the building, obviously. She'll have to take a magical being out into the Known World. And she'll have to risk revealing Dr. Woo's secrets to the nosiest busybody in town, the horrid Welcome Wagon lady who keeps pounding on the locked gate, demanding to be shown around the place. Also, the magical creature she calls upon for help is one that hates humans and, to force him to help her, she must do the thing that'll definitely make him mad. Like stealing a leprechaun's gold. Exactly like that.
This is part 2 of a series of which I've already read books 1, 3 and 4. Like the other installments, it's effervesces with laughter, magic and a compassion for all kinds of people (except, perhaps, nosy busybodies). It throws a girl with a talent for trouble together with a boy who's known to worry, hesitate and, when backed into a corner, make up whoppers. They make a great team and play off of each other wonderfully, growing as characters as a result. And the cast of zany characters inhabiting the tiny, depressed town of Buttonville only adds to the fun.
For those of you reading the books in order, the next installment will be The Rain Dragon Rescue. For me, it'll be (or rather, already was) book 5, The Griffin's Riddle. Selfors' other titles include Smells Like Dog and its two sequels, a bunch of "Ever After High" books including A Semi-Charming Kind of Life and Hero Training and several other books, including Fortune's Magic Farm and The Sweetest Spell.
August 26, 2020
I really liked this book, it was such a great second story in this series.
The first thing I loved is that they alternate narrators between books, so this one is from Pearl Petal's perspective. I think it is so great to get to be in her head and hear her perspective on the wild situations they're in (that she sometimes causes 😉).
The second thing I loved was the theme of Pearl feeling really sad that everyone in town views her as a troublemaker. It's such an unfair label to stick on her. Many of the transgressions happened ages ago and in this small town where not much happens, the adults won't let go of them. There are also so few other kids in town it seems they've forgotten what normal kid antics are like. I understand why it is so disappointing to Pearl to have to wear this label and feel the negative energy from most of the adults in town. So it was amazing to see in this book that she is able to solve the problem entirely with her ingenuity and to have that recognized by Dr Woo. To have that need of Pearl's met was incredibly satisfying and made me feel good at the end of the book.
The actual problems are cute. No spoilers here about them. I appreciated the issue the lake monster was struggling from and Pearl's solution. And the other creature they face is a fun mixture of stereotypes and not. I am really looking forward to finding out what the gift they gave Pearl does and I hope we seem them again in the future.
The first thing I loved is that they alternate narrators between books, so this one is from Pearl Petal's perspective. I think it is so great to get to be in her head and hear her perspective on the wild situations they're in (that she sometimes causes 😉).
The second thing I loved was the theme of Pearl feeling really sad that everyone in town views her as a troublemaker. It's such an unfair label to stick on her. Many of the transgressions happened ages ago and in this small town where not much happens, the adults won't let go of them. There are also so few other kids in town it seems they've forgotten what normal kid antics are like. I understand why it is so disappointing to Pearl to have to wear this label and feel the negative energy from most of the adults in town. So it was amazing to see in this book that she is able to solve the problem entirely with her ingenuity and to have that recognized by Dr Woo. To have that need of Pearl's met was incredibly satisfying and made me feel good at the end of the book.
The actual problems are cute. No spoilers here about them. I appreciated the issue the lake monster was struggling from and Pearl's solution. And the other creature they face is a fun mixture of stereotypes and not. I am really looking forward to finding out what the gift they gave Pearl does and I hope we seem them again in the future.
November 15, 2019
Pearl and Ben are officially apprentices at the Buttonville Worm Hospital. Almost. It's actually a hospital for creatures from the Imaginary World. No one can know what's really going on in the abandoned button factory, so Pearl and Ben are sworn to secrecy.
On their first day, they are tasked with cutting Sasquatch's toenails. Who wants to do that? Certainly not Pearl. She'd rather track down the creature she saw looking in the window. Ben is a reluctant follower, especially since they were told not to leave the Sasquatch room. The creature turns out to be a lake monster (aka Nessie). It's at the hospital for amnesia, and abducts Ben because it's lonely. Instead of getting help from Dr. Woo's assistant, she goes to the sick leprechaun in the hopes he will grant a wish. It's a bit of a disaster, but all's well that ends well.
I like this series. Pearl's the adventurous one who drives the plot turns. Ben is the reluctant sidekick, which is a plot staple. Everyone loves creature folklore. A little absurd at times (cough...worm hospital...cough), but the creatures are pure fun.
On their first day, they are tasked with cutting Sasquatch's toenails. Who wants to do that? Certainly not Pearl. She'd rather track down the creature she saw looking in the window. Ben is a reluctant follower, especially since they were told not to leave the Sasquatch room. The creature turns out to be a lake monster (aka Nessie). It's at the hospital for amnesia, and abducts Ben because it's lonely. Instead of getting help from Dr. Woo's assistant, she goes to the sick leprechaun in the hopes he will grant a wish. It's a bit of a disaster, but all's well that ends well.
I like this series. Pearl's the adventurous one who drives the plot turns. Ben is the reluctant sidekick, which is a plot staple. Everyone loves creature folklore. A little absurd at times (cough...worm hospital...cough), but the creatures are pure fun.
June 23, 2017
I am absolutely in love with this book series!
Pearl and Ben are headed off for their first day at Dr. Woo's hospital. It is just as spectacular as you would expect.
Pearl's natural ability to get herself in trouble is on full display, but this job and this friend mean a lot to her, so she grows as a person as she takes responsibility for what goes wrong and tries to fix it. She is a great kid who's curiosity just gets the best of her.
The lake monster is absolutely adorable. As is the other imaginary character that gets dragged along for the ride. I loved the foreshadowing for these characters.
The artwork in this series is awesome! What a perfect match for the story.
Pearl and Ben are headed off for their first day at Dr. Woo's hospital. It is just as spectacular as you would expect.
Pearl's natural ability to get herself in trouble is on full display, but this job and this friend mean a lot to her, so she grows as a person as she takes responsibility for what goes wrong and tries to fix it. She is a great kid who's curiosity just gets the best of her.
The lake monster is absolutely adorable. As is the other imaginary character that gets dragged along for the ride. I loved the foreshadowing for these characters.
The artwork in this series is awesome! What a perfect match for the story.
October 25, 2019
My Review: Munchkin enjoyed the first book so much that we had to jump right into this book. We do switch POV to Pearl in this book, which while I understand the reasoning, is still a bit disappointing. With that said all the fun of the first book just continues here, with lots of discoveries and funny moments and a bit of problem solving as Pearl gets them into some trouble. I didn't mention in the review of the previous book, the illustrations in the physical books are great and add a little something to the story. Munchkin had a blast with this story and I am now going to have to track down more books in this series!
June 27, 2017
My favorite part was the lake monster. She acted just like a dog. I laughed a lot when she wouldn't let Ben get away from her.
Pearl gets in a lot of trouble, but sometimes her ideas are really good ones. Other times not so much.
Pearl gets in a lot of trouble, but sometimes her ideas are really good ones. Other times not so much.
December 31, 2019
Enjoyed reading this series with my kids. This book was a happy surprise when it came more from Pearl's point of view than Ben's. My son independently commented that it was nice to hear things from Pearl's perspective. It was cool that he (they) picked up on it, too.
April 21, 2021
I loved that in book two, the author switched around the main MC. That was clever! I found this story not as engaging as the first book but still read through it in one sitting. Such a great cast of characters!
September 23, 2023
I'm finding these books to be really cute and fun! There are three more in this series and after doing some research, I would say it would be a good series to continue :)
Found in L4M YT Volume 35.
Found in L4M YT Volume 35.
March 19, 2024
Cute story with a great premise, though the main character wasn't my favorite. I know we're supposed to like her despite her impulsivity, but her constant excuses and "I didn't mean to"s grated on me. Still excited to see where the plot goes in the next book, though!
A5R4K4
A5R4K4
September 13, 2024
A fun second installment in the Imaginary Veterinary series. While book one was told mostly through Ben's point of view, this one is told through Pearl's. This time, the kids meet a leprechaun and a lake monster! Such fun!
June 27, 2025
I'm finding these books to be really cute and fun! There are three more in this series and after doing some research, I would say it would be a good series to continue :)
Found in L4M YT Volume 35.
Found in L4M YT Volume 35.
May 12, 2018
Secnd book was also good. Like how it changed the narrative. Curious to see where it goes from here
May 19, 2018
A fun read for a read-a-loud, and group discussion.
November 2, 2018
more for kids but still good
May 14, 2019
This series is really funny and unique. It’s almost a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory situation with fictions beings instead of chocolate.
Great fun!
Great fun!
June 19, 2019
In this book, the lake monster is cured of its loneliness. There is lot of adventure!
June 24, 2020
Read aloud with the boys. Very entertaining. We’ll be on the look out for more in the series!
March 12, 2021
This book is 10/10 I highly recommend reading this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews