Pets and Their Famous Humans

getting everyone in place

Pets and Their Famous Humans 

Written by Ana Gallo
Illustrated by Katherine Quinn
Translated from Spanish by Paul Kelly
Expected English publication: April 21, 2020

Mom's Review
Pets and Their Famous Humans is pretty self-explanatory. It's the format, the content, and the art that make this book appealing for all ages and reading tastes.

Each two-page spread covers one pet/human team. The pet is introduced, and its relationship with the human is described; it is through the lens of the animals' experiences that we gain an intimate glimpse of famous people. Did you know that when Warhol didn't like an interview question, he would ask Archie, his dachshund, to answer for him? Or that Gertrudis Caca Blanca (Gertrude White Poop) was Kahlo's pet osprey that pooped on everything, since it had the run of the house? A small inset paragraph explains the human's noteworthy accomplishments. The facing page is a portrait of the human and pet together. The portraits are fun and highlight recognizable features. T pointed out Einstein and told me that he recognized Einstein by his wild hair. Before this, I had no idea that T had even heard of Einstein.

I love how these names behind the artwork and scientific discoveries I learned in school become real people through the stories of their pets. Newton isn't just gravity. He's a dog lover who doesn't blame his pet as years of research literally go up in smoke when doggo knocks over a candle.  Pets and Their Famous Humans offers something for everyone.

T and I both thoroughly enjoy Pets and Their Famous Humans.

Son's Review

(Age: 5)
Mom: We can read all of it or flip around. This book works either way. What do you want to do?
Son: I want to read ALL of it!!! 

Why'd he [Klimt] use cat pee? Yuck!...I wouldn't want crocodiles for a pet. They snap!...I like the bird [Grip]. I want to go see him!*...I want to read about the starling because I like Mozart.

I thought the pets could act like humans, which is very cool. The first one in the whole book [was most interesting] because of the deer was really neat. The fawn [was my favorite] because fawns are very cute. When I say "fawns," it means "deer."

Who should read:
People who like animals and like to hear about famous people.

*Dickens' raven is stuffed and on display in the Philadelphia Free Library.

Note: A review copy was provided by Prestel Verlag in exchange for an honest review.