From School Library Journal
Grade 3-5-Owning a pet means responsibility, and these clear, lively books address that issue. Both stress learning about animal behavior in order to provide pets with the best care possible. Adopting Pets discusses animal shelters. Its focus is on helping animals, mainly by giving them a good home. Readers are advised to think carefully about which pet is best suited for a particular situation (e.g., cats adapt better to being left alone for longer periods of time) and to be a responsible owner by spaying/neutering their animals. Advice is also included for children who want to help, but can't adopt-volunteers are generally accepted at shelters. Iguana provides more detailed information, with advice and tips on caring for reptiles. There is a lot of how-to here, but there's an equal amount of why (insight into behavior) to help readers understand and enjoy their pets. The discussion is also well balanced; for example, while Gutman discusses how fascinating it can be to keep reptiles, he also notes that they're not right for everyone. Each title features humorous full-color cartoon drawings that add to its appeal. Children will enjoy the entertaining texts and pictures and will come away with much of what they need to know to become informed and responsible pet owners. These books will not replace pet-care manuals, but they will be good supplements.
Arwen Marshall, formerly at New York Public Library
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Arwen Marshall, formerly at New York Public Library
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
