Albert is desperate for a pet, but his parents are adamant it’s just not possible. Still Albert keeps asking until his dad finally hands over a present: a potato. It’s a pet potato, he says (apparently this is the kind of joke Dad makes all the time). Albert puts the potato away, but its sad face catches his eye.
Before you know it, Albert and his new pet are doing everything together, playing, visiting the park and library, sharing stories. Then Mum decides to throw the potato away (it is going mouldy). Albert insists on a proper burial at least and is delighted with the results – it grows a whole crop of pets, one for everyone in his neighbourhood!
A surprising and surprisingly cheerful story demonstrating that you can grow your own happiness. Momoko Abe’s illustrations in gorgeous warm ochre, green and russet are full of deadpan humour, a perfect match to the text.
Albert is desperate to get a pet, so he’s really excited when Dad finally brings one home. There’s just one problem: it’s a potato. Potatoes can’t do anything a proper pet does . . .can they?!
A funny story with a sweet, green-fingered resolution for any child who’s ever begged their parents for a pet!
Josh Lacey is the author of many books for children including The Island of Thieves, Bearkeeper, The Dragonsitter and the Grk series. He has worked as a journalist and written one book for adults, God is Brazilian. His first book for children, A Dog Called Grk, was shortlisted for the Branford Boase Award and is written under the pseudonym Joshua Doder.
