TEACHER’S PETS

When Miss Fry told her students that their pets could visit for their weekly sharing day, little did she know it was the beginning of a zoo. Each Monday, a different student brings in his or her pet . . . and conveniently forgets to take it home. Tuesday always illuminates the reason why: The rooster disturbed the neighbors; the dog chewed the sofa cushions; and on it goes, from Alia’s goat to Lily’s monkey. All year long Miss Fry feeds and cares for the animals before going home. On the last day, the children leave with their pets, except Roger. His cricket Moe likes Miss Fry best. And so the somersaulting cricket goes home to Miss Fry’s garden and adds the perfect sound to her quiet little house. Hafner’s illustrations follow the text, focusing on the additions of the animals, rather than on the zaniness that must be the result of so many creatures living in one classroom. A cute tale to share with a teacher who has a similar classroom zoo, but a rather troubling sub-message that pets can be foisted off on others when they show less-than-desirable behaviors. (Picture book. 4-8)