Hieronymus Betts and His Unusual Pets [Hardcover]

M.P. Robertson (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Hieronymus Betts certainly has some very unusual pets. All of his pets are gruesome and disgusting, but Hieronymus knows of something even slimier than Slugapotamus, fiercer than the grizzly hare, and smellier than Stinker the bog hog! What could it be? Visual jokes and a delightfully disgusting collection of creatures are especially appealing to young readers, and the easy-to-read text is fast-paced, short, and funny.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 1–A fresh, lighthearted look at sibling relations. What could be slimier than a slugapotamus, noisier than a greater-spotted howler bird, and stranger than a whatchamacallit? One by one, Hieronymus introduces the fantastical creatures that he keeps as pets, then promises that he knows of something even worse than these unusual animals. Dare you turn this page to find out? Its his little brother (complete with devils costume and pitchfork). Colorful, slightly retro cartoons capture the energy of the text. Stinker the bog hog is impressively disgusting and Cuddles the porcupython is satisfyingly creepy. The artwork leaves no question about the younger childs behavior: he is shown impaling a teddy bear on his pitchfork, biting his brother on the bottom, and kicking over a full potty. While these depictions may give adults pause, older siblings are likely to sympathize with Hieronymus and enjoy reading about a younger sibling more treacherous than their own. As the story ends, the two boys chase away a fierce grizzly hare, and Hieronymus concludes that despite all his flaws, his brother is more fun than any pet could ever be. With its repetitive language and imaginative names, this book is great for reading aloud. Its sure to be popular with older siblings everywhere.–Suzanne Myers Harold, Multnomah County Library System, Portland, OR
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About the Author

M.P. Robertson studied Graphic Design at Kingston University. A freelance illustrator since 1988, he specialises in children's books. His previous titles for Frances Lincoln include Seven Ways to Catch the Moon, The Egg, Ice Trap! by Meredith Hooper, Seven Wonders of the World by Mary Hoffman, The Sandcastle, Big Foot, The Great Dragon Rescue and The Moon is Swampland.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books (August 24, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1845072898
• ISBN-13: 978-1845072896
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 9.7 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,571,221 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Great "boy" book!, May 26, 2009

By 

S. Gaddis "sj_ky" (Kentucky) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hieronymus Betts and His Unusual Pets (Hardcover)

It's hard to find good boy books sometimes, but this is one of them. This is especially appropriate for a boy with a younger brother as the story includes a younger brother. There are fun words and characters, and a hint of all things "boy" in here. This has become a household favorite.

5.0 out of 5 stars Adorable book, October 9, 2008

By 

Linda Majors "timlindam" (Portland, Oregon) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hieronymus Betts and His Unusual Pets (Hardcover)

This is a great book. My son first read it at school and wanted a copy of his own. We read it and read it and I still don't tire of it.

5.0 out of 5 stars Spoiler Alert! Hieronymous Betts and His Unusual Pets by Mark Robertson, October 1, 2005

By 

Heidi Anne Heiner (SurLaLune Fairy Tales.com) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Hieronymus Betts and His Unusual Pets (Hardcover)

Hieronymous Betts has a large menagerie of strange mixed beasts as pets. From his slugapotamus to his whatchamacallit, we are introduced to an array of disgustingly fun pets. But Hieronymous knows of something even stranger--his brother! As a celebration of the absurd and the joy of brothers, children will enjoy rereading this book over and over to study the strange beasts and relive the surprise ending. A lighthearted romp through the imagination with an ending full of brotherly love.

Highly recommended.

Pair with another new release with a more serious tone:
Mixed Beasts
illustrated by Wallace Edwards
verses by Kenyon Cox