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A Beginner's Guide to Choosing the Perfect Pet
by Ali Rutstein
Illustrated by Tommy Doyle
Published by Albert Street Books (Allen & Unwin)
ISBN 9781761180903
When a book begins with every family should have a pet, it grabs my attention because we know how wonderful it is to have an animal friend and member of the family.
However reading further may surprise you.
Gorgeous illustrations in this picture book really highlight the tongue-in-cheek guide to choosing a family pet, I am not so sure how many of us would really choose a tiger or a rhino - whose horn is handy for holding our bags, over a budgie which according to this is a bad investment, or a dog that will follow you everywhere. The boys riding their bikes with that look in their eye as they try to cycle as fast possible is delightful.
So while this may be a fun colourful book it is loads of fun and will provide pages of laughter and questions, it does have the good message to visit an animal shelter to choose your family pet.
We loved this book.
The author
Ali Rutstein is a children's book author, living in Brisbane with her partner, three sons and their friendly chickens. She has a background in zoology and animal behaviour, but then swapped to working with people, and is currently employed as a cardiac genetic counsellor. She writes picture books, junior fiction and short stories. Her debut picture book, Ladybirds Do Not Go to Daycare, was published in 2023 and was a CBCA notable. Her books are inspired by funny events and people (usually her sons) and are often have a strong animal focus.
The illustrator
Canadian born Tommy Doyle, a Melbourne-based illustrator, ceramist and graphic designer, is known for his unique ability to blend bold simplicity with a nuanced understanding of storytelling through art.
This is an independent review, I am not paid by the book publishers,
so.If you Liked this review - Buy me a coffee
