Written by Leigh Bardugo
Illustrated by Liz Climo
Published by Roaring Brook Press
Mom's Review
An ode to pet adoption, Better Pets juxtaposes acquiring the "best" pet money can buy in a pet shop with connecting with a particular cat or dog at an adoption event. As two children wish for animal companions like their friends have, they are confronted with both an adoption fair and pet store owner hawking his stock. While the store features "better pets" like a hoarse horse who will help you fake being sick, the adoption fair had a cat who captured one of the children's hearts. This is a fun story that acknowledges the feelings of wanting what others have, wanting a pet, and wanting the "best" option while also examining how two children consider what they truly want after being offered their answer to their dreams. On top of that, Bardugo's writing is so much fun. She switches between jaunty rhymes and prose, poking some good-natured fun at the rhyming picture book trend.
For your enjoyment, here's a photo of our own better pet, June del Toro:
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