Seahorses are sold out by Katja Gehrmann and Constanze Spengler

Seahorses are sold out is a very humorous story that will appeal to younger readers. Mika’s very busy father works from home and does not have time to go on a trip to the lake as he has a deadline to meet. After trying to stay quiet and not interrupt him too often, Mika finally suggests that if her dad lets her get a pet, she would have company and not annoy him. Her father gives her his credit card and she happily purchases a mouse. Unfortunately the mouse goes missing so she next buys a puppy to sniff out the mouse. Then the puppy makes a mess in the bathroom so Mika buys a seal to help out. After spending time in the bathtub, Mika realises the mouse cannot swim so buys a penguin to teach it how to. Mika continually adds to her menagerie and when her dad finally finishes his work, he is most surprised to see the collection of animals. The ending is quite special and will be a surprise for the reader. Children will enjoy the humour, the fun that Mika has and the joy that owning a pet can bring.

Themes: Families, Pets, Communication, Working from home.

Kathryn Beilby