An elephant living in the house (and other pet stories)

An elephant living in the house (and other pet stories) written by Sharyn Bajerai

Available as an e-book                                                      Kindle - https://books.pronoun.com/serve/8a237296-aa6d-4d9a-a1c5-9ceb0769dc65/final~mobi/
ePub - https://books.pronoun.com/serve/8a237296-aa6d-4d9a-a1c5-9ceb0769dc65/final~epub/

Reviewed by Elizabeth Vercoe

An elephant living in the house is one of three short stories about pets, available in this online anthology by West Australian writer Sharyn Bajerai. The other stories are titled Matt’s pet tarantula and Lee.

Each of the stories contains easy-to-read dialogue and interesting facts about the featured animals…

In the first story, Olivia wants an elephant for a pet but pesky old Mum and Dad say no. So what’s a girl to do but steal one from the zoo and keep it in her bedroom? Soon however, Olivia discovers that elephants aren’t all that easy to hide - or to look after - because they eat so much! An entertaining twist at the conclusion, after Olivia has returned the elephant to the zoo, is quite delightful.

The second story is also about a child keeping a pet in his bedroom – this time a pet tarantula. Although he doesn’t ask his parents about keeping the spider, Matt’s a ‘responsible’ pet owner who finds the correct foods for Wolfgang to eat, and also creates a proper habitat so that the spider has places to hide and moult. When the spider foils a home invader, the jig is up and happily, Matt’s allowed to keep Wolfgang.

The third story is about a mistreated greyhound who is found and helped by a young boy who takes her to the nearby animal shelter. Through watching the greyhound’s interactions with other abandoned animals, the boy is able to convince the shelter to keep the dog as a ‘helper’ so he can visit her.

These stories variously contain appealing and entertaining ideas that explore the notion of longing for something impractical, of looking after other creatures, of taking responsibility for actions.

One little aside is that I was surprised that the idea of ‘screaming like a girl’ was included - but that’s just me taking umbrage!

With illustrations to break up the text, each story in the compilation consists of four chapters and has a satisfying, sometimes surprising, conclusion.

This is an entertaining series of stories that will appeal to both boys and girls.

Here In The Garden

Here In The Garden written and illustrated by Briony Stewart (University of Queensland Press)
HB RRP $24.95
ISBN 9780 7022 5010 1
Reviewed by Jo Antareau

Pets play a special role in a child’s life as they love the child unconditionally. But sadly, every child who has loved a pet will one day have to deal with the loss of their dear friend, playmate, confidante and partner-in-crime. Briony Stewart has captured the essence of a child’s wistful heartache beautifully. The story follows the bittersweet memories a boy has of sharing his garden with a fun little rabbit.

Briony Stewart’s words and illustrations bring the cute bunny to life – then gently remind us that he is no longer with his loving owner.

Written sparingly with a light touch and a lack of sentimentality, this book focuses on how the bereaved child rebuilds his love of the garden he and his much-loved pet once shared and played in, now that he is there alone.

This is a difficult topic for a book for young readers, but I think the author has managed it. I believe it would appeal to a wider age-range of readers than most picture books do, because the theme is not hammered as it may be in a more wordy text. The simple phrasing and soft illustrations carry the subject matter well.

I Want a Pet

I Want a Pet by Lauren Child (Walker Books)
HC RRP $9.95
ISBN 9781847803344
Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

In this mini edition made for small hands, the girl wants a pet. All the adults in her family have an opinion on what is and isn’t suitable. But the girl has a mind of her own. She considers an African lion, a sheep, a wolf, an octopus, a boa constrictor, or a bat. There is always a reason why none of them will do. Can the pet shop lady come up with a solution?

Lauren Child has used her usual Charlie and Lola formula of writing and illustration to create a story with a nameless girl. This time adults are included in the story and pictures. The illustrations are hilarious. So are the girl’s comments about the negative response to her suggestions which are added at the bottom of each right hand page. The cover is hard for durability for these little books will be opened many times.

How to Train a Train

How to Train a Train by Jason Carter Eaton, illustrated by John Rocco (Walker Books)
HC RRP 24.95
ISBN 9781406350784
Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Some children have cats for pets; others have dogs which they train. But what happens when a child wants a train for a pet. How do you train a train? How can you know which one suits you?

The reader is taken through an imaginative adventure full of the fantasy of choosing a train. That train then becomes the child’s companion in all things. The text is not to be taken literally of course, but the imagination can make anything real.

The magnificent illustrations by John Rocco begin with the covers that depict the children riding trains as if they were horses. The colours are sensational and sit proudly amidst the illustrations on the glossy paper. Some are full page illustrations and the minimal text is happy to give space to the visual depiction of the story.

Children who love trains will be excited by this book for it has been beautifully designed and produced, and is definitely one for lovers and collectors of fine children’s picture books.

Amazing Monty

Amazing Monty by Johanna Hurwitz, illustrated by Anik McGrory (Walker Books)
PB RRP $12.95
ISBN 9780763665616
Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Monty is a first grader but an excellent reader. He reads everything from posters to signs. It’s this ability that allows him to read the notice saying a new home is wanted for two parakeets in a cage. But things take a surprising turn and the birds become the class pets.

Great changes are taking place in Monty’s life and he’s concerned about several things. He is the last in his grade to lose a tooth, and he’s going to be a big brother. Will the baby have asthma like he has? Will he have to share his parents with his sibling? And where will his grandparents sleep now when they visit?

This is an interesting series of First Grade Adventures which address themes that concern the very young. This is the third book and the fourth, Magical Monty, is due soon.

The Octopuppy

The Octopuppy by Martin McKenna (Omnibus Books)
HB RRP $24.99
ISBN 978-1-74299-015-6
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Edgar wants a dog but instead he gets Jarvis. Jarvis is an octopus. A very smart octopus, but as hard as he tries, a determined Edgar cannot teach Jarvis to behave like a dog.

The Octopuppy is a sweet and quirky tale about accepting someone as they are, not turning them into your ideal, and about saying sorry. The relationship between Edgar and Jarvis is portrayed beautifully in the illustrations as is Edgar’s increasing frustration and Jarvis’s zany character.

There is so much to discover in the detail of the illustrations. They are bright, imaginative and very entertaining. The storyline provides much to think about and discuss and the characters of Edgar and Jarvis are strong, endearing and very likeable.

The Octopuppy is an entertaining story with a unique twist on familiar themes such as wanting a pet and disappointment. It is a story young children will love.

Eddie Pipper

Eddie Pipper by Janeen Brian, illustrated by Emma Stuart (New Frontier Publishing)

PB RRP $12.95

ISBN – 9781921928215

Reviewed by Emma Cameron

Soon to turn nine, Eddie Pipper hopes to get a pet penguin for his birthday. The fact it’s an unrealistic aim in terms of species doesn’t matter. See, in the past, Eddie forgot to latch the mouse cage (they escaped) and to feed the goldfish (they died), so Mum said no more pets. Still, the penguin obsessed dreamer hopes that if he proves to Mum and Dad that he’s responsible he’ll get a penguin.

At story opening, readers see Eddie’s creativity with his obsession. Not only is he making a penguin out of paper mache, he dressed up his little sister as one. Sadly, he forgot that he left her in the blow up pool with ice in the water. And he used paper from Dad’s study to paper mache with. Paper containing plans for an origami competition Dad was entering. Origami is Dad’s obsession. Like father, like son. But this helps Dad understand Eddie a little better.

As a fan of Brian’s work I was pleased to see the writing bore her signature humour. I laughed out loud, not only in regard to Eddie’s action but also that of others. Like when Mum finds he placed his sister in a pool of ice and forgot her, she points out the evidence like so, ‘Fridge door. Open. You?’ Eddie nodded. Why did his mum talk like she was texting him? He was right in front of her.

While it may at first seem that Eddie is simply forgetful, the story unfolds to show how his obsession overtakes and consumes his thoughts to the exclusion of practical things like remembering his school bus money or his swimmers and towel the day of the swim certificate test. Readers who have longed for something special not quite within reach will empathise and cheer dear Eddie on.

When he arrives home late for his birthday party, Mum is pleased to learn it’s not because he forgot about it but because he stopped to help an abandoned dog. This results in Eddie winding up with a pet. Not the one he hoped for but one he’ll have much fun with.

Colourful illustrations within each of the nine chapters break up the well-spaced text, making it most appealing to readers finding their feet in the world of chapter books. High quality paper used in production of this Little Rockets series, for readers aged 7+, will prove excellent for very likely repeated library borrowing.

RSPCA Bumper Book of Pets and other Animals

RSPCA Bumper Book of Pets and other Animals (Random House Australia)
PB RRP $19.95
ISBN 9781742757117
Reviewed by Marian McGuinness

The thought of a Bumper Book of anything brings expectations of a cornucopia of fascinating information bound with trivia, jokes, activities, checklists and heart-tugging photos. This is exactly what you find in the RSPCA Bumper Book of Pets and other Animals.

This is the book to read if you are considering owning a pet. Being fully endorsed by the RSPCA this Bumper Book perfectly balances the fun side of pet ownership with the responsibilities. There’s even a checklist to see if you are mature enough to own a pet as well as other criteria such as the pet-friendliness of your home.

With its colourful layout, reader-friendly pages and bright breakout boxes of tips and trivia, this book urges you to sit and read about all creatures, scaly, slimy, furry and feathery.

As well as a substantial section on PETS, there are sections on FARMYARD ANIMALS and WILDLIFE.

The largest section is about dogs, and as with most other sections, there’s information about: diet, health, lifespan, exercise, grooming, personality, training, breeds and lots of tips.

There are fascinating facets sprinkled throughout. You find out that guinea pigs can’t make their own Vitamin C. They need to eat oranges, lemons and kiwi fruit, that’s after they eat their yummiest meals of brussels sprouts, broccoli and bok choy!

If you’re contemplating becoming a horse owner, learn what they mean when they neigh, nicker and snort. And if a pet rat is more your thing, learn how to make them an adventure playground in their cage, as rats love to explore.

Are you a bit of a bird fan? This book will help you find the right breed to suit your family. Canaries live for about 7 years whereas cockatoos live for about 80!

Do snakes, turtles or frogs take your fancy? How about an axolotl or a ferret?

For those who live on or visit farms, there are lots of interesting insights into sheep, goats and poultry. Did you know that cows have best friends within their herds? And then there’s the wildlife section with many more intriguing gems of information.

The RSPCA Bumper Book of Pets and other Animals is not just about reading. There are quizzes, word jumbles and jokes and a glossary for the tricky words like amphibian and terrarium.

Why are fish so smart? They live in schools! And if you’re old enough to read, this book is purr-fect for you.

Chook Chook: Mei's Secret Pets

Chook Chook: Mei's Secret Pets by Wai Chim (University of Queensland Press)
PB RRP $14.95
ISBN 9780702249464
Reviewed by Vicki Stanton


Chooks and markets and one-eyed butchers. Love and loss. This chapter book for younger readers is certain to delight.

Mei lives in rural China on what must surely be the only farm without animals following the death of her father. However, when Mei discovers two fluffy chicks (and saves them from a snake) she vows to keep them. She hides the chicks and cares for them after school

Mei's brother shares her secret but the chooks are found by her mother and sold to the one-eyed butcher. Mei must now buy her chickens back. When efforts to earn money fail, Mei believes all is lost. However, it is through kindness that she is able to save them.

The subtle weaving through of the mother and family's story and of village life raises this book to the next level. While Ma may appear harsh at times, the reasons behind this are made apparent.

Mei is an absolutely delightful character and one that Australian children will easily connect with. This story is an easy introduction to another culture and shows that while each nation and culture has its own identity, there are so many basic similarities. Highly recommended.

Alex Cottle Axolotl

Alex Cottle Axolotl by Christine Moroney, illustrated by Niki Oram (Little Steps Publishing)

PB RRP $14.95

ISBN 9780980723755

Reviewed by Emma Cameron

Moroney, a medical diagnostic radiographer, writes children’s stories with a medical slant and underlying Christian message. Alex Cottle Axolotl lives in Mr Tulley’s pet shop and enjoys watching the comings and goings as people visit the cute cats and dogs, bright tropical fish and birds who sing beautifully. Poor Alex feels he has nothing to offer. Mr Tulley urges him to be patient, saying his time will come as ‘there is a place in this world for every creature.’

Bought as a birthday gift for Marcus, Alex proves to be a novelty. For two weeks. After that he is left alone and becomes bored. His tank fills with so much algae that he can no longer see outside and can barely breathe. He would climb up the sides of the tank to get out if it wasn’t so slippery with algae but if he could climb out ‘where would he go from there? He had no money to call a taxi.’

Luckily, messy Marcus tosses things around his room when searching for something and a shoe lands in the tank. Though it knocks off one of Alex’s toes he is able to climb it, balancing on top to attract attention. This doesn’t work and it’s not until Mum threatens to suspend pocket money that Marcus cleans up and sees what has happened. He remembers that ‘Alex had come with a set of instructions but he was not a science kit or a model plane’. He cleans up the tank and nurses Alex back to health.

When Marcus sees Alex’s toe growing back he tells Dad, who invites medical scientists over to examine Alex. They plan to build a research lab to learn more about this animal, asking Marcus to be an adviser to them which thrills Marcus.

Said to be aimed at 9-14 year olds the story line, language used and lesson Marcus learns about what happens if you don’t look after your pet are likely to be better suited to 6-10 year olds, as are the cute and varied black on white illustrations. Interesting facts about this endangered species and their use in medical research are contained on the last few pages of this book's 57 pages.