This book brought back wonderful memories from when I was young. We were never allowed to have pets, except fish, because the hair would cover the sofa, carpet, and my mom figured she would end up caring for the animal when we grew tired of it- she was right. After Hurricane Katrina, we had lost everything and had just moved back into our house. We begged and pleaded for a cat- and we got one! My sisters and I scooped the litter and bathed her, but soon my mom did all of that. Now that I am older and responsible enough to care for something besides fish, my boyfriend and sister are allergic. They immediately start itching and sneezing, like Ossie. I totally understand how Jamaica felt when she had to return Puffy and how she cared for her family more. A common theme I am finding through out the "Jamaica" books, is family.
I also noticed, which I really liked, was Kristin was a character in this book, as well as in "Jamaica's Find". I love that I can read multiple books and recognize the same characters. ( )

This is a very comforting first book for a young girl. As I read the book, I was very drawn to the illustrations that for once show a little girl who looked like me as a child, full thick ponytails and a chunky face. I was very excited to find that the story involves children from other backgrounds and races and I could easily present this book to my student and place in a classroom to show diversity in a good, wholesome story. ( )

Kristin can't keep her kitten and brings it to Jamaica in hopes that she will take it. Jamaica wants the kitten but her brother is allergic. In the end the girls realize they should be thankful for what the already have.
Source: Pierce County Library
Age: 4-5

In the story Jamaica is given a kitten by her friends and hides the kitten from her parents and tried to keep it. But she has to come forward with her secret and she makes the decision to give the kitten back because her brother was allergic to it.

Ages: 5,6,7

Source: Amazon.com ( )

Jamaica gets a kitten from her friend. she tries to keep it but her brother is allergic to it. She gives the kitten back to her friend after she see how sick it made her brother.

3-5
Pierce County Library