The Best Pet Ever. This item is unavailable.The Best Pet Ever

A little girl really wants a pet and with a very active imagination, finds all types of objects that transform into the best pet ever--a rock, a glove, a candy wrapper and even a balloon all serve as substitutes--until one day, she really does find the best pet in the world!

Kindergarten-Grade 2—Walking past a pet store with her mother, a little girl begs: "Mom, can I have a pet? Please? Mom, Mom, can I? Can I have a pet?" She demonstrates how well she would take care of a real animal with her imaginary ones—walking Fluffy (her rock), feeding Nibbles (her woolly glove), and putting fresh water in a bowl for Swishy (her shiny candy wrapper). Unfortunately imaginary pets are fine for only a day or two—even Bruce (her red balloon) pops. Her mother says, "Oh, that's a shame. Don't worry. Maybe we can find another pet for you to play with." Children's eyes will be drawn to the picture of a large brown box with air holes. On the following spread, against a background of pale purple and white hearts, the little girl holds a black-and-white kitten. Bright, energetic illustrations move the child through her world. She and her mother share similar looks, with fluffy brown hair and wide-set eyes. The simple sentences and frequently repeated phrases will be boons to early readers. This warm mother-daughter story will resonate with children who have wanted and waited for real pets.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN
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