Reviewed by Dannielle Viera
‘Every family should have a pet.’ Luckily, there is a brilliant young lady who can guide you towards the creature that will be ‘the perfect fit for your family’. She prefers happy-go-lucky crocodiles to sinister guinea pigs, and tickly jellyfish to eavesdropping rabbits that are ‘quietly plotting world domination’. And, of course, you should choose your pet from an animal shelter, like she does. Or should you? Frank the polar bear might not agree.
Ali Rutstein’s picture book contradicts common sense in every possible way – and kids aged three to six will shriek with laughter at the appealingly absurd suggestions. Hilarious hyperbole becomes more and more exaggerated until it eventually reveals an elemental truth: you can’t always believe what you’re told (or what you read!).
Colour scoots across Tommy Doyle’s cartoon illustrations like a crazed chameleon, and littlies will adore the visual humour (especially the horrified look on the adults’ faces when they see the larger and more rambunctious animals). The characterisation of the children is beautifully inclusive, and readers will soon find themselves within the pages.
Highly entertaining from beginning to end, A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Perfect Pet is ideal for animal lovers – especially those who long for a pet
of their own. (Unless they want a cuddly tiger!)
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