Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Pet Disasters by Claudia Mills - OPTIONAL


Mills, Claudia and illustrated by Francis, Guy Pet Disasters (Mason Dixon Book 1) 176 pgs. Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2011. $11.04.  (Rating: G).

Mason’s parents really think he needs a pet. They go through almost every kind before they bring home Dog, who is missing one leg. The problem is that Mason doesn’t want a pet. His best friend Brody really likes Dog and Dog likes him right back. So when Mason starts to bond with his new pet, he starts to get jealous. When Dog is hurt, Mason realizes how much he loves Dog. Can he learn to share Dog’s affections?

I sort of didn’t like Mason, he was very negative and restrictive in his thinking. I found it hard to share in his boring day to day life, and felt sad for the pets his family did a trial run on. There is an overt lesson about pets and friendship that is kind of sweet, but you all know how much I hate overt lessons. I think students will find this book to be boring as well, and dread going to art camp each day with Mason, just like I did.

EL – OPTIONAL Reviewer: Stephanie MLS graduate & Author.

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