Great Read Alouds: You want WHAT for a pet?!

It's a fairly common stage of childhood when kids will ask (beg, plead, bargain) for a pet. And possibly, many adults with furrowed brows will have the common reaction of "who will take care of it?" Pet ownership is a wonderful way for children to learn responsibility and how to deal with loss (both important steps in growing up). However, pets – regardless the size or adorable factor – are costly, time consuming, stinky, dirty, loud and just not practical for all families, leaving many parents feline (get it?) exhausted. Books can help scratch that pet itch! While there are litters of stories about kitties and puppies, I've spotted a pack of picture books about some rather unusual pets. Let their little minds dream up what else could make an interesting pet! Bruce the Cow has become a TikTok star, perhaps there is an internet animal phenom in your child's future too.

I'm Getting A Shark by Brady Smith

A shark obsessed little girl overhears her parents say "shark" while discussing her birthday and is certain that will be her present! While she is imagining all the possibilities, her dog, Ralphie, attempts to point out she is probably dreaming.

This is a fun story and a great way to encourage kids to dream up their own unusual pet. It's full of small details in the cartoon like illustrations and loaded with shark facts for enjoyable learning along the way.

Lizzy and the Cloud by The Fan Brothers

Lizzy, clad in yellow rain gear, buys a pet cloud while on an outing to the park. She names him Milo and takes great care of him – walking him, watering him and watching as he grows and grows. What will Lizzy do when Milo becomes too large?

This is a sweet, whimsical story with the most unusual pet I've ever read about. The softly rendered illustrations, based in yellows and grays, change as the story evolves.

Not That Pet! written by Smriti Halls & illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw

Mabel has approval from her family to choose any pet she would like. She is determined on getting the BEST pet! Mabel soon discovers the challenges of selecting a pet – too loud, too smelly or too wriggly are only a few of her concerns. What will Mabel pick?

Bright, colorful illustrations and a hilarious tale will keep children involved in the story.

I Won A What? written by Audrey Vernick & illustrated by Robert Neubecker

This book is full of bold, entertaining illustrations with easy to read emotions on the character's faces. I Won A What? is about a boy who hopes to win a goldfish at a carnival. His parents think a goldfish is a safe bet for a pet (it's not fluffy or feathery, but it is practical). So when he becomes the proud winner of Nuncio, even though this particular fish is "impractical", his parents hold true to their promise. This is a heartwarming tale with a simple text and a very practical main character.