Pirate's Perfect Pet

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2016

Review

Pirate's Perfect Pet is a humorous tale of a pirate captain in search of his ideal animal companion after receiving a message in a bottle from his mother while at sea. In the letter, she includes a checklist for her son to "be the best pirate he can be," including owning a ship (check), having a chest full of treasure (check), an eye patch (check), a hook (check), and a peg leg (not yet, but read on). Last but not least is a pet - which the pirate has even yet to consider - and thus begins the central adventure of the book. The pirate and his crew first search (with no luck) on the beach as they land on shore - passing on a crab, an octopus, and a clam for a variety of reasons (too cranky, too clingy, too quiet, respectively) before moving on to a farm, a zoo (where a hungry lion provides him with his much needed peg leg - a bit of subtle, dark humor), and finally, a pet emporium. After surveying the inventory of potential pets, he meets his match in a brazen parrot who unabashedly poops on his hat. This "ick" factor will probably make it appealing to early elementary aged kids. Bright and colorful illustrations (reminiscent of the No, David series by David Shannon) and a fun/silly story line make it appealing for an out-loud read, length is most appropriate for K-3. Good addition to any home, school, or library.

Overall Book Score: very good