I really want a pet by Jackie Hosking and Shane McG

The picture book, I Really Want A Pet by Jackie Hosking, has a fun and entertaining storyline that will be enjoyed as a read aloud with many young children. The rhyme and repetition that is used throughout the book will engage the audience from the opening page. The story follows the child’s wishes to get a pet. Children will make strong connections with this story, as almost every child will want a pet at some stage or another. From dinosaurs and crocodiles, to polar bears and ponies many pets are explored with the hope of a potential pet. However, each time a suggestion is put forward by the child, her mum has a perfect reason why each one will not do. The rollicking and rolling pattern of words flows beautifully with rhyme and rhythm to enjoy as a read aloud.

Illustrator Shane McGowan compliments the storyline with beautiful clear pictures for the reader to enjoy. Cleverly hidden on each page, that the eager and interested audience are sure to spy, is the animal that is finally chosen at the end of the story. This is sure to be a favourite for many children, especially those with a love of creatures of the world. This book will support the enjoyment of a shared read aloud, as children will be able to remember repeated parts and predict the upcoming rhyming word, and join in with the story that will be read again and again. 

Themes: Animals, Family, Responsibilities.

Michelle O'Connell