A beginner's guide to choosing the perfect pet by Ali Rutstein. Illus. by Tommy Doyle

Laugh out loud, full of humour not to be taken too seriously, the family in searching for the perfect pet, is presented with an array of totally inappropriate pets as well as dismissing some equally sound ones, those the reading audience will recognise with tenderness.

The young polka dotted girl shows us a number of totally unsuitable pets; rabbits for example only want world domination, guinea pigs harbour dark thoughts, puppies keep following you, budgies keep their beady eyes on you, while kittens won’t let you alone with your knitting.

On the other hand, a crocodile is a most excellent pet, quiet and peaceful with a happy go lucky demeanour, and Tigers are wonderfully cuddly and fun loving, and just what you need when playing hide and seek. Now a rhino is a fabulous pet, earthy, and sweet, with a horn just right for hanging your handbag on and a python is the best for the family, as it has impeccable manners, is loyal and elegant.

Each set of pets will bring gales of laughter from the audience as they spot just what these animals presents in the family pet stakes. Children will yell out giving reasons for some to be struck off the list of possible pets, and others included. How would their family cope with a jellyfish or python, and what could be better than a budgie or rescue dog.

Obviously this family does need some help in choosing just the right pet and going to the animal rescue shelter, they find their own misunderstood creature to take home. I wonder what it will be. Excitement mounts as the last page is turned, landing on the animal the polka dotted girl takes home, finding that her new pet has appetites of his own and leaves only her polka dotted hair bow on the floor of his new house.

A very funny book that will entertain as well as encouraging readers to think about the suitability of some animals in their home environment.

Kids will certainly debate which animal is best and laugh at the choices given in the book. Bold, vivid illustrations cover each page as each animal is shown with some of its traits exposed. The looks on the faces of the animals are priceless, adding another level of humour to the story as some of the animals, unbeknownst to the child, have more than being a pet on their minds.

Themes: Animals, Pets, Animal rescue, Choice.

Fran Knight