Sparky!

Sparky!
Written by Jenny Offill, illustrated by Chris Appelhans

My rating: ★★★★

ISBN: 9780375870231
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade
Date of publication: March 11, 2014
Age: 4 - 8 years
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Themes: pets, promises, patience, sloth

There once was a young girl who really, really wanted a pet. However, her mother didn't want something that required a lot of responsibility. So she does some research, and makes a choice. The sloth comes in the express mail soon thereafter. The eager pet owner is so excited! But what happens when Sparky is no good at fetch? Or hide-and-seek? ...or much of anything?

It made me laugh out loud, which is automatic high marks right there (I am a firm believer that the adult should enjoy the book they read to their children as much as the child loves it.) It's a sloth...for a pet. The poor girl just wanted a trained seal! I enjoyed the characters staunch loyalty to her lazy pet, despite some discouragement from others. The illustrations are also FANTASTIC. You want to see what a dejected rabbit looks like?

It's adorable.The illustrations are just the right amount of whimsical with reality. It's what makes the book. (Because, to be honest, the story sort of fizzles towards the end.) So I recommend it!

Find it at your library or on Amazon