Read, Write, Repeat.

Today’s guest reviewer has pets — a cat and a gerbil to be exact.

So when she decided that another cat would be a good thing, others in our family were not convinced.

“You already have a cat,” said her dad.

“Another cat means more cat hair,” said her older sister.

But Sonia would not be dissuaded. She made a list of reasons another cat was a good idea. (See the photo in the lower right.) She shared the merits of cats. She drew pictures of cats. She dreamed about cats.

Eventually, her persistence won out, and Sunny joined our family.

Sonia’s story is remarkably similar to Prudence’s as described in Prudence Wants a Pet (Roaring Brook Press, 2011) by Cathleen Daly and Stephen Michael King.

Prudence desperately wants a pet. Her parents say no for all the usual reasons. Prudence decides to take matters into her own hands and tries out a branch, a twig, a shoe, a tire and her baby brother as possible pets.

Let’s just say none are ideal.

Things look hopeful when her parents say she can get a packet of sea buddies. But the buddies don’t move or even have faces.

It is the final straw. Prudence takes to her closet in despair.

Which leads to her parents having a whispered conversation.

I won’t share the ending, except to say everyone involved is happy. And that’s always a good thing.

As an aside, this is totally my kind of picture book. It has the sort of dry, understated humor that I like with a lot of heart just below its surface.

The writing is well done. And, I love how the illustrations only show the parents’ legs and arms.

Now, let’s see what animal-loving Sonia had to say.

—————–

Our reviewer: Sonia

Age: 10

Things I like to do: Play with my new cat, Sunny. Play with water. Make concoctions. Play with sidewalk chalk, draw, sleep and eat.

This book was about: A girl who wants a pet, but her parents don’t want one. They think it’s too much work.

My favorite part was: When Prudence got a pet that was a cat.

I was worried when: She lost Twig.

I was surprised when: She used her little brother as a pet.

My favorite words or phrase in the book was: “Dad broke the branch into little bits and put them on the woodpile.”

My favorite picture in the book is: When she’s hugging the kitten.

Three words that describe this book: “Pet.” “Meow.” “Branch.”

Other kids reading the book should watch for: Her begging for a pet. The small specks in the fish bowl. And, when her little brother turns green.

You should read this book because: If you want a pet, it shows you how to get one. (Sonia’s best tip from her own personal experience? “Say you’ll clean the cat litter.”)

—————–

Thank you, Sonia!

If you’d like to learn more about author Cathleen Daly, you can:

• Read her blog.
• You can also read this article about her.
• Or  this review of Prudence, by two teachers who liked it as much as Sonia did.

If you’d like to learn more about illustrator Stephen Michael King, you can:

• Visit his website.
• Watch this animation he created.
• Or read this interview.