What pet should I get?

What pet should I get? written and illustrated by Dr Seuss (Harper Collins) HBK RRP $19.99 ISBN 9780008170783

Reviewed by Sharon McGuinness

Believed to have been written between 1958 1nd 1962, this previously unpublished story tells the story of Kay and Jay (from One Fish, Two Fish...) as they wrestle with the difficult decision of which pet to choose.

Written in typical Seuss rhyme, with unmistakable Seuss creatures we witness Jay and Kay’s decision dilemma as they consider an array of pets. 

Given a noon deadline by their father, the pressure mounts as the siblings must make a decision.

Decisively, Jay states:

 “ I will do it right now.

   I will do it, I said.

   I will make up the mind

   That is up in my head.”

Do they choose a rabbit, a cat, a fish or a dog? Or one of Seuss’s creations, perhaps? The story ends in a cliff-hanger – we can only guess what is contained in the basket balanced on Jay’s head, the pet’s eyes peeking at us, while Jay and his sister wear satisfied smiles.

Children will enjoy not only the rhyme and the typical Seuss illustrations, but guessing exactly which pet is being carried home.

At the end of the story are valuable ‘Notes from the Publisher’, which include photographs of a young Dr Seuss – Theophrastus Seuss Geisel and his pets. This gives the book an extra layer, enabling the reader to gain insight into the man (and child) behind the famous author.

This book is suitable for ages 3 years and up.