Better Pets -- Picture Book Review

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own.

What makes a good pet? Is it a cat or a dog? Or perhaps something else? Does it need to have special talents? As the owner of four pets, I have to say I don't think there is one thing that makes a good pet. For me it is that they have to show love and feel loved. Today we are sharing a book all about pets and what makes them good. The book is Better Pets by Leigh Bardugo and illustrated by Liz Climo. It is recommended for ages 3 to 6.

Publisher's Summary:

STRICTLY NO ELEPHANTS meets THE BAKERY DRAGON in this laugh out loud picture book about finding the perfect pet, from #1 New York Times–bestselling author Leigh Bardugo and internationally bestselling illustrator Liz Climo.

Myrtle has a turtle, Sam has a lamb, and Tony has a pony. But Yvette and Evan don’t have any pets . . . until the Better Pets emporium rolls into town featuring some spectacular possibilities!

The Handbag Hyena laughs at all your jokes, you’ll always be warm with the Knittin’ Kitten, and it will be impossible to have a bad day with the Chin-Up Chinchilla.

Which fabulous, fantastical pets will Yvette and Evan choose? The adoption fair next door may have a different kind of magic in store!

Bestsellers Leigh Bardugo and Liz Climo celebrate perfect pets everywhere in this rollicking tale.

From Me:

Everyone in town has pets except Yvette and Evan. It is finally Pet Adoption Day and Yvette and Evan are excited to find their own perfect pets. Yvette finds a puppy she thinks sits like a gentleman and Evan finds a cat shaped like a donut. They love them, but then a fancy salesman begins his pitch on better pets. He has special pets with special talents like a Springer Spaniel who actually has springs for legs or the chipmonk that chants. All of his better pets are very unique. However, Yvette wants the dog that sits like a gentleman, and Evan wants the cat that looks like a donut. They decide they fit better in their lives and families. 

This book is fun and amusing. The kids' names seem to rhyme with the type of pet they have. The book is creative and fun and stresses the importance of a pet fitting your lifestyle and family's needs. I also love that the kids choose to adopt pets and not buy them from the Better Pets store. I also love that the animals they choose are the ones with no special talents. They are normal pets who are allowed to be themselves. The cat can sit like a donut like so many do. The dog can cross its legs like a gentleman. 

This book is a fun read. It can also be great for a family about to get a new pet. It is perfect for talking about pets and animals. I would love to hear what the kids think about the "better" pets and their skills. I would guess that they would understand how crazy and funny it is. I can see it being used in a preschool or kindergarten class to talk about animals and their normal behaviors, looks, environments, etc. It is a fun book and will have everyone laughing! But the best part of reading it at a story time is to talk about how amazing animals actually are without the special talents!