The Best Pet of All - Hardcover

LaRochelle, David

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0525471294 ISBN 13: 9780525471295

Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers, 2004

Synopsis

This boy-wants-dog story with a twist is both snappy and endearing. The little boy's mother won't let him have a dog. Dogs are too messy and too loud. But she says he can have a dragon for a pet&150if he can find one. Enter the coolest&150but naughtiest&150pet ever. The dragon is messier and louder than any dog. And he will not leave. How will the boy ever get a dog now?

Wry, stylish illustrations with an appealing retro look perfectly complement the spare, witty text. A comical, engaging story for anyone who's ever wanted a pet!

About this title

About the Author:

David LaRochelle is the illustrator of The Bookstore Valentine, by Barbara Maitland, and has written and illustrated many other books.
Hanako Wakiyama, is the illustrator of Too Big! and other books.

From School Library Journal:

PreSchool-Grade 2–A young boy is desperate to have a dog. When his mother meets his repeated requests with firmer and firmer refusals, he modulates his demand and asks for a pet dragon instead. Thinking she is safe, she agrees that if he can find one, he can keep it. Unfortunately for Mom, he eventually manages to locate one, but the creature is disruptive and untidy. It won't clean up after itself, eats spaghetti in the bathtub, and roasts hot dogs (with its own breath) in the living room. When the youngster points out to his mother that dragons are scared of dogs, she finally agrees to get one. Domestic happiness is restored and the unwanted beast slinks off. LaRochelle captures the essence of the relationship between mother and son with dry humor and laconic text. The child's unfailing optimism triumphs over practical realities and his mother's initial opposition. The simplicity of the language is ideal for beginning readers, while the subtext keeps everyone amused. Wakiyama's nostalgic gouache illustrations evoke the 1950s. Dressed in capris, Mom irons print tablecloths and does dishes by hand. The appliances and decor are of the period, and the dragon is found in an old-fashioned drugstore. The bright, witty artwork complements the story to perfection.–Jane Barrer, Washington Square Village Creative Steps, New York City
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About this edition

• Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0525471294
• ISBN 13: 9780525471295
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Wakiyama Hanako