Author & Illustrator: Peter Brown
Genre: Children's Book, Picture Book
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Date: 2010
Length: 32 pages
I picked this book up from the library
When Lucy, a young bear, discovers a boy in the woods, she's absolutely delighted. She brings him home and begs her mom to let her keep him, even though her mom warns, "Children make terrible pets." But mom relents, and Lucy gets to name her new pet Squeaker.
Through a series of hilarious and surprising scenes, readers can join Lucy and Squeakers on their day of fun and decide for themselves whether or not children really do make terrible pets.
Description from Goodreads
Lucy is an exuberant, melodramatic, beribboned young bear and she is the best! One day she discovers a little boy and enthusiastically declares him "the cutest critter in the WHOLE forest!" The little boy just squeaks. (Because, really, what would you do when faced with a bear wearing a tutu?) Despite her mother's warnings, Lucy heads off with Squeaker to have THE BEST DAY EVER! And it is always the best day ever when I get to read this story to kids.
What I liked
Lucy: Lucy is just fantastic and throws herself, 100%, into whatever she's doing. Even if it isn't a very good idea. Some kids might get turned off by a super girly character, but everyone seems to enjoy her enthusiasm, good natured ridiculousness, and volume. I love her. |
| Children Make Terrible Pets by Peter Brown |
Lucy: "MOM! Look what I found outside! I call him Squeaker because he makes funny sounds."
Little Boy: "Squeak!"
Lucy: "See, isn't he the cutest? Can I keep him, PLEASE?"
Engaging story: This story just begs to be read with shouting, and drama, bouncing, squeaking, and swooning onto the floor. It was made for me. Lucy is just fantastic and throws herself, 100%, into whatever she's doing. Even if it isn't a very good idea. I have literally had kids rolling on the floor giggling and dramatically face palming during this story. Kids get so indignant when Lucy's mother claims that "Children are the worst". This leads to a short discussion on how squeaker not listening to Lucy is a lot like them no listening to their parents.
Illustrations: Brown used color pencils to draw on construction paper that was mounted on wood. He also uses a "wee bit of digital tweaking", though you would never be able to tell. The speech bubbles were also hand lettered by Brown. All of the illustrations have this lovely warm and layered look.
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| Children Make Terrible Pets by Peter Brown |
He was Impossible to Potty Train
Illustrations: Brown used color pencils to draw on construction paper that was mounted on wood. He also uses a "wee bit of digital tweaking", though you would never be able to tell. The speech bubbles were also hand lettered by Brown. All of the illustrations have this lovely warm and layered look.
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| Children Make Terrible Pets by Peter Brown |
What didn't work for me
Children Make Terrible Pets is perfect and I will fight you over this.
Rating: 5
The warm, detailed illustrations and the adorable story make this a book that children will enjoy over and over again.( This book also gives parents a nice opening to discuss the responsibilities and work of taking care of a pet.) Children Make Terrible Pets will become part of my family's library. Even if you don't buy it, I highly recommend checking out today and sharing it with your family. 6 stars people, it's great!I've added this book to so many birthday gifts that I'm honestly surprised that I haven't given it to my kids yet. (I've just ordered it to give Kid 2 for Easter.)
What is your perfect picture book? Great illustrations and a story that makes for a great read aloud is what a look for, bonus points if I can be melodramatic while reading it. Of course there are books that I loved sharing with students that had disappointing illustrations, but I can be picky about the pictures.
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