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Tuesday, 3 December 2024

A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Perfect Pet

A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Perfect Pet by Ali Rutstein (Allen and Unwin), RRP $19.99 Picture Book ISBN 9-781761-180903

Reviewed by Susan Hancy

Have you ever considered which animal makes the ideal pet? Or perhaps you’re on the hunt for a new addition to your family? If so, then this book would seem to be purrfect for you! Written by an author with a background in zoology and animal behaviour, you’d expect some great advice from this book. 

But can you trust it?

Is a rhino with ‘a sweet earthy aroma to match their gentle temperament’ really such a fabulous beast? (Note the top tip from the illustrator, Tommy Doyle: consider using the rhino’s horn as a hook to hang your bag.) Or does an anaconda, ‘elegant and loyal’, really have ‘impeccable manners?’

Perhaps there is some truth to the book’s warning to beware of bunnies, puppies and kittens. Especially kittens ‘armed with needle-sharp teeth and claws’…

A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Perfect Pet will either leave you scratching your head or provoke ‘rambunctious’ debates, but will guarantee some belly laughs. With a smattering of challenging words to learn and have fun pronouncing, it’s ideal for kids aged 5 years and above.

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