The cutest pet ever by Sally Rippin

Billie B Brown series. Hardie Grant Egmont, 2012.
Age: First chapter book readers (6-8) Billie is bored. Her best friend Jack is away for the weekend and her baby brother Noah is no fun to play with. Deciding that a pet is the perfect answer Billie sets about convincing her Mum and Dad, but their ideas of good pets for Billie aren't exactly the pony or puppy that she has in mind. Later at the Shopping Centre Billie spots her perfect pet: Molly the guinea pig, but when they go back to the pet store somebody has already bought her! Billie is distraught until her Dad arrives home with a guinea pig sized cardboard box . . .
This is a gorgeous story that young children will relate to especially those with younger siblings who take up a lot of Mum and Dad's time. But it also shows the positive ways that Billie compromises with her parents and deals with her emotions, especially when she thinks her perfect pet is lost forever. There is also positive role modelling as Billie shows her Mum how helpful and responsible she is to prove that she will be able to take care of her own pet. A fantastic easy chapter book with large print and plenty of illustrations to please young girls.
Nicole Smith-Forrest