Pet Dad Review

Synopsis from Penguin Young Readers:

Plum wants the perfect pet, but instead realizes she has the perfect dad in this charming and hilarious picture book that’s great for father’s day.

Plum wants a pet. Plum’s dad wants NO pets. So Plum, who never takes no for an answer, gets the only pet she can: a pet dad. Dad is a great pet–he loves playtime, tummy rubs, and scratches behind the ears. But every time Plum tries to get him to sit, or fetch, or chase, dad barks NO. Plum doesn’t take no for an answer. How will she train her perfect pet (without getting a time-out)?

Hilariously relatable and with ultra-cute art, Pet Dad is perfect for kids who love or want pets–or who already have the perfect parents to make up for it.

About: Pet Dad is a children’s picture book written by Elanna Allen. It will be published on 5/1/18 by Dial Books, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, hardcover, 32 pages. The genres are children’s book, picture book, dogs, and fiction. This book is intended for readers ages 3-5, grades K and under. According to Penguin’s website, “Dial publishes books for two through teen that aim to entertain, enrich, and encourage our readers. We care deeply about diversity and about artistic excellence. Established in 1961, Dial Books for Young Readers was an early pioneer of titles for the very young, including the first quality board books.” Please see below for more information about the author and publisher.

My Experience: I started reading Pet Dad for my 6 years old son as a bedtime story on 4/16/18 and we finished it that same night. This book has the most dainty illustrations I have ever seen! I love it so much! I like how the action words stretches to various shapes and sizes. I like the pop of color. I like the details of the pet and it’s owner’s matching appearance such as a lady wearing a net hat and her pet wearing a net looking muzzle. I like how active Plum is with her pet, always on the go and ready for action.

In this book, readers will follow Plum as she drags her dad to a pet shop wanting to buy a dog. Her dad doesn’t want a pet but Plum won’t take no for an answer. She pushes him into the store and then drags him out by his tie and then he becomes her new pet. She takes his tie in her hand using it as a leash to walk him around. She rubs her dad’s tummy and scratches behind his ears. She tells him to roll over but he told her no. She wants him to eat out of a dog bowl but he says no. After many different unsuccessful tactics she puts her pet dad into a time out but it backfires. While she herself in time out, she figures out how to ask her pet dad to do things that will spark a yes from him instead of a no.

This book is beautifully constructed. I like how Plum’s dad denies Plum’s requests when she asks rudely and rewards her when she asks nicely. I like the fun ways she plays with her dad that could be played with a real pet. My son likes the park scene, with different pets and its owner busy in different fun activities. I like the various ways dogs travel around in public, some ride in the basket of their owner’s bike and some are walking with a leash and wearing a cone. This book is definitely fun to read and I highly recommend this book for everyone!

Pro: illustration, father-daughter relationship, humor, dogs, activities

Con: I don’t like the word “Heck No” (luckily only once)

I rate it 5 stars!

Buy it here for free shipping: Book Depository or Penguin’s Website

About the Author:

Elanna Allen graduated from Brown University and studied animation and illustration at the Rhode Island School of Design. She has designed characters and directed animation for Disney Junior, Nick Jr, and PBS. She lives in New York City with her husband and two boys, and is currently learning to play the ukulele. (Info obtained from Penguin’s Website and book pictures obtained from Edelweiss, photo obtained from hudsonchildrensbookfestival.com).

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***Disclaimer: Many thanks to Penguin Young Readers for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.

xoxo,
Jasmine