Emma's Strange Pet

Carol L. MacKay is a children’s librarian living in Bawlf, Alberta.

It’s inevitable. At some point in a child’s life, he or she is going
to want a pet. Emma’s little brother, Max, is no exception. He wants a
furry friend in the worst way, but Emma is allergic to animal fur. For
her birthday, Emma asks for exactly what Max doesn’t want: “a
strange pet”—that is, one without fur. She picks out a lizard at the
pet shop and teaches Max how to help her care for it.

Jean Little’s third Emma book in the I Can Read Book 3 series is
every bit as interesting and readable as the previous two—Emma’s
Magic Winter (1998) and Emma’s Yucky Brother (2001). The restrictions
of a beginning reader, with its limited vocabulary, short sentences, and
required repetition, haven’t stopped Little from telling an
emotionally complex tale. Max is adopted and is still finding his place
in his new family. Emma loves and cares for her little brother but
occasionally struggles with some of the maddening things he does.

Jennifer Plecas’s character-focused drawings partner well with the
sparse text and help flesh out the personalities and story with specific
details. The cover art, with its warm and gentle colours, is inviting.

Children will relate to both Emma and Max. Max’s desire to have a
cuddly pet is understandable. Emma’s patient and kind approach to her
new brother is admirable and sweet. Their ability to get along in spite
of their differences is a gentle lesson in give and take. Little gives
her readers some things to think about. Highly recommended.