From Publishers Weekly
The fresh and credible voices that Cox (Now We Can Have a Wedding!) attributes to her young characters give this brief, quick-moving novel plenty of life. When her teacher announces that the class can adopt a pet, Rosemary decides, "Any pet would do. So long as it wasn't a rat." Much to her horror, that's exactly what the class adopts. But as Rosemary gets to know "Cheese," she has a change of heart that may well reassure youngsters who harbor similar fears about animals. Cox treats readers to a number of funny moments, as when Rosemary, determined to keep the rat away from her nemesis (who has referred to the class pet as "cat bait"), smuggles it home under her sweater; later that afternoon on a trip to get her braces tightened, the pet escapes and terrifies her orthodontist. The author also interjects some endearing asides between Rosemary and her toddler brother, Spot, as when she hides Cheese in her room and Spot spots him: "Me wants Mousey." Short sentences, funny quips and ample lighthearted art make this a smooth read?and a good choice for less-than-eager readers. Ages 7-11.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
From School Library Journal
Grade 2-4?When her class adopts a rat as a pet, Rosemary is horrified. However, she quickly warms up to Cheese and soon finds herself trying to save him from the clutches of Brian, the class clown. To prevent the boy from harming the animal when it is his turn to take him overnight, she sneaks the creature out of school to her home. There, a host of new problems surface, including a curious baby brother. Realizing this is not a solution, Rosemary returns the pet to the classroom, making sure that Brian understands his responsibility for the animal's care. Readers who are becoming comfortable with chapter books as well as fans of Suzy Kline's "Horrible Harry" series (Viking) and Betsy Duffey's How to Be Cool in the Third Grade (Viking, 1993) will feel right at home with this light and breezy story. Fisher's illustrations rendered in pen and ink and watercolor washes in black-and-white bring the lovable rodent to life.?Lisa Gangemi Krapp, formerly at Sousa Elementary School, Port Washington,
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
