"NOT THAT PET!"

A young, biracial (half South Asian, half White) girl and her family host a series of unorthodox pets in order to find the perfect fit.

A sign at the pet store foreshadows the hijinks that will ensue: “Any pet you like delivered to your door.” Given free rein over the family’s choice of pet, Mabel selects an elephant. At first, all is well as Mabel enjoys the best elephantine hugs, rides, and down-the-trunk slides. However, after the elephant sits on Mabel’s mom, the verdict is clear: “NOT THAT PET!” A succession of failed pets follows—ants, a skunk, a snake, worms, and several more—each wreaking their own unique brand of havoc. Wising up, Mabel assesses the traits that would make for a good pet and makes an unexpected yet clearly perfect choice. With its bouncy, rhyming text and cheeky humor, this playful ode to animal companions would make for a delightful read-aloud. Mabel shows compassion and resiliency as she makes attempt after attempt to find a pet that will be beloved by her entire multigenerational family. The relationship between Mabel and her doting little brother who trails her everywhere is charming.

An amusing take on a near-universal childhood milestone that successfully expands upon a familiar theme.