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The Pet Project: Cute and Cuddly Vicious Verses

“Can I have a pet?” When the narrator of this humorous collection of poems asks that question, her scientist parents ask her to formulate a query, conduct research, and reach a conclusion regarding what type of pet to get. Her query: “What is the best pet for me?” To collect information, she visits a farm and a zoo. She treks through the woods. She borrows some beasties to try out at home. This playful riff on scientific research is told through poems that document the girl’s observations and conclusions about a wide range of animals. Verse that is light on fact and heavy on humor nonetheless collectively models the scientific process, albeit with a tongue-in-cheek spirit that is echoed in the illustrations. As for the girl’s conclusion regarding what pet to get? “My research found / that all around / tiny animals abound / They need no care. / They need no fuss. / They’re not aware / that there is us … / I go to Mom and Dad with hope: / ‘May I have a microscope?’” ©2013 Cooperative Children’s Book Center

Illustrated by Zachariah OHora

CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 5-8
Age Range: PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7) Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Formats: Picture book Poetry
Subjects: Humor Pets Science and Scientists Stories in Rhyme

Publisher: Atheneum
Publish Year: 2013
Pages: 36
ISBN: 9781461975953

CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 811 Wheeler