The main purpose of the poem is to entertain and explore the creativeness of a young boy imagination who wishes for a pet. I thought the story was good, but there were some parts where I found myself having to re-read as the flow of the words felt strange or abrupt in change. For example, it seems the author’s writing is a bit choppy and doesn’t flow as well as I had hope, “My body a rounded stone with a pattern of smooth seams. My head a short snake, retractive, projective. My legs come out of their sleeves or shrink within, and so does my chin. My eyelids are quick clamps.” I did enjoy, however, the author’s choice to include imaginary and prehistoric animals such as the Pterodactyl and the doze and to describe the qualities of that animal in detail: “His feet are clumsy, wide, and wet.” Young kids may enjoy this as they also are very creative in their own imaginations and love prehistoric animals such as dinosaurs. ( )

This book has very catchy and fun illustrations, and the book itself is very engaging, for example on page 8, the author says "turn the next page... we'll look in this book," the author is talking to the audience at the end of this page. The book is also a fun read aloud to children, because the whole book is written in short poems. I love the illustrations, because there is so much going on in the pictures that the author doesn't mention so it is important to have the readers examine the illustrations. For example, on page 8 and 9, you see his little sister hiding under his bed, but no where does the author say she is there, the illustrations also show what he is interested in because there is a display of toys and posters all over the room. On the next page, 10 and 11, the illustrations are very funny and they show dogs being dressed up like a bride, a tourist, and an old woman with a bonnet. The children is perfect for children due to the fun rhythm in every poem and the illustrations that are detailed and humorous. The book is also informative, and teaches children about different animals. The author and illustrator also work together to make some of the animals act as humans. For example, on page 16 there is a yak getting his hair done at a barber shop. The book also shows the boy visiting different environments, such as swamps, lakes, and forests. Finally the boy gets a dog, which is a normal pet, because the whole book he is looking at animals that are not typical pets. This book is a fun book to show students and I would highly recommend the book to teachers and parents to read to their kid. ( )

I really liked these poems and I think that children will enjoy them as well since they are on the subject of animals and pets. Since all the animals included in the poems aren't all practical, it plays on children's imagination very well. The poems are creative and are sure to interest all children.

Summary:
A boy wants to get a pet for his birthday. His parent's let him think of all sorts of animals that he could have. Each poem is about each animal that he thinks of. There are several. There is a Hippo, a bear I do believe and several others. Finally he finds a kitten and that is his pet.

Personal reaction:
I found this book to be quite cute actually. The poems were not too babyish. Simple enough so that all kids could get them and the pictures were great. Good use of color and line. It was wild enough that kids could enjoy it but not so wild as to they couldn't identify. What kids doesn't want some exotic animal like a hippo for a pet at one point in time? I'd still like a hippo for a pet!

Classroom Extension Ideas.
1. Use to talk about animals and the kinds of ones they would like to have.
2. Have them write their own poems about animals wither it's one they have or want. ( )