Picture Books About Unusual Pets That Are Sure to Delight

Posted on April 3, 2018

by Patti L

Do you think writing to the zoo to ask for a pet is a good idea? In the picture book “Dear Zoo” by Rod Campbell, one child thinks so, and that child is in for some big surprises!

Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell

Dear Zoo” is a classic from 1983 and it is also one of the titles in the 101 Picture Book Challenge. It’s a great book to share with two to four-year-old children, as it plays a guessing game, prompting them to name the animals under the flaps before they lift them. Share the book with your child to see if the perfect pet is finally found!

Stories About Pets

Here are some other humorous books about unusual pets you can check out from the Library

Not Norman: a Goldfish Story by Kelly Bennett

Not Norman: a Goldfish Story by Kelly Bennett

As a boy attempts to convince someone else to take his disappointing pet, he learns to love Norman the goldfish himself.

Also available in eBook.

Ah-choo! by Lana Wayne Kohler & Gloria G. Adams

Ah-Choo! by Lana Wayne Kohler & Gloria G. Adams

When a young boy decides to get a pet, he discovers it’s not as simple as ABC. Every animal he brings home makes his poor sister sneeze! Can he find one that won’t leave her reaching for the tissues? Follow along on a funny, furry adventure that features animals of every size and stripe, from Antelopes and Bobolinks to Yaffles and Zebras!

The Grumpy Pets by Kristine A. Lombardi

The grumpy pets / Kristine A. Lombardi

Billy is a grumpy boy who’s not like the other kids. His mother takes him and his sister, Sara, to the animal shelter one Saturday in hope of cheering him up. But the pets he sees are too happy for his taste. Then he finds the grumpy pets.

I Won a What? by Audrey Vernick

I won a what? / by Audrey Vernick ; illustrated by Robert Neubecker

A young boy tries to win a goldfish at the carnival and ends up with a far bigger prize.

Who Wants a Tortoise? by Dave Keane

Who wants a tortoise? / by Dave Keane ; illustrated by K.G. Campbell

Expecting a dog for her birthday, a girl is upset and furious when she gets a tortoise instead, but soon learns that even a tortoise can be a good pet.

Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev

Strictly no elephants / written by Lisa Mantchev ; illustrated by Taeeun Yoo

A boy is excluded from joining his friends’ pet club because of his unusual pet.

What is the 101 Picture Book Challenge?

The 101 Picture Book Challenge is for anyone at any age. Librarians hand picked the titles on the list which includes classics, new titles and everything in between.

101 Picture Book Challenge - Toledo Lucas County Public Library

To get started, register online. You can track your progress online or if you prefer a paper log booklet, pick one up at your neighborhood Library. The books are organized into categories but you can read the books in any order and at your own pace. When you read all 101 titles, you earn a free picture book (while supplies last).

This is the latest in a series of blog posts exploring some of the things we love about these books.


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