"Let's Get a Pup!" Said Kate

by Bob Graham

Published by U.S. edition: Candlewick, 2001
32 pages

Ages 4 - 7

Ever since the family cat died, "there were only Kate's two feet to keep each other company" in her bed. One morning Kate wakes her parents up by declaring that it's time for a new pet, and her parents concur. They all agree that the new pet must be a small, cute, playful pup. They excitedly leave their breakfast uneaten and rush to an animal rescue center. They find exactly the pup they were looking for. Or do they? Children will recognize Kate's urgent need for a pet. They'll also be comfortable with the gently humorous understated ambiguity of this family's decision-making process. They'll feel at home within the clutter of this particular contemporary home, and they'll love the surprise ending. Graham has hit the mark -once again - with a warm story featuring a quirky family on the cusp of change. (GMK; July 2)  © Cooperative Children's Book Center