Book review: ‘What Pet Should I Get?’ is magic for beginning readers and book collectors
"What Pet Should I Get?" by Dr. Seuss. (Handout)
Parents need to know that "What Pet Should I Get?" is a Dr. Seuss book filled with jazzy rhymes, familiar-yet-unique characters drawn with strong black lines and filled with primary colors, and a story kids will like. (Common Sense Media/TNS)
Parents need to know that “What Pet Should I Get?” is a Dr. Seuss book filled with jazzy rhymes, familiar-yet-unique characters drawn with strong black lines and filled with primary colors, and a story kids will like. The manuscript was discovered among Seuss’ papers in 2013, seemingly complete and previously unpublished. With light editing, it has been published 50 years after it was written. Though it may not quite measure up to Seuss classics like “The Cat in the Hat,” “Green Eggs and Ham,” or “Horton Hears a Who,” the Seuss genius definitely fills each page with fun and silliness. The two main characters are the brother and sister from “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish,” and the color palette is similar. Publisher’s notes discuss Seuss’ love of animals and explain how this book came to be. Several photos of Seuss and his pets are also included as is a comment about adopting pets from shelters or rescue organizations. Great for beginning readers and book collectors alike.
WHAT’S THE STORY?
In “What Pet Should I Get?” a young brother and sister — the same two siblings from “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish” — finally have their parents’ permission to get a pet. Their mission has two constraints: choose one pet only, and be back home by noon. When they walk into the pet store, the number of fascinating pets available overwhelms them. What’ll it be: a dog, cat, fish, or one of the other amazing Seuss-ian animals? Each page complicates the situation as the kids weigh the pros and cons of each and try to decide on just one, the one that will fit best with their family. In the end, the kids head home, smiles on their faces and excitement in their eyes. The reader sees eyes peering out of the box the boy carries, and is left to decide which pet they’re taking home. End notes by the publisher describe Dr. Seuss’ love of animals, explain the creation of this book, and also stress that shelters and rescue organizations are better places to look for your next pet.
IS IT ANY GOOD?
This book is classic Dr. Seuss, from its jazzy rhymes and catchy refrain to its familiar yet unique characters and explosive script full of fun and adventure. It offers a valuable message about the challenges of decision-making, especially when choosing a pet for the family.
Though it could be argued that Seuss had not yet finished his manuscript, book notes at the end explain how well the editors knew Dr. Seuss and how careful they were to be true to his spirit when making changes, adding color, etc. All in all, having one more Dr. Seuss book to treasure only makes the world a better place.
RATING AND CONTENT
Recommended for ages 3 and older
Quality: 4 out of 5
Educational value: 4 out of 5
Positive messages: 4 out of 5
Positive role models: 4 out of 5
Violence and scariness: 0 out of 5
Language: 0 out of 5
BOOK DETAILS
Author: Dr. Seuss
Illustrator: Dr. Seuss
Genre: Picture Book
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication date: August 1, 2015
Number of pages: 48
