Shortlisted for the Children's Book Awards 2019, Books for Younger Children Category
Though it all gets rather wild, families everywhere will recognise elements of themselves in this entertaining story. Oscar’s parents have agreed he can have a pet, so far so familiar, but what to choose? A logical boy, he puts an advert in the paper only to be overwhelmed by applications – meerkats, an ostrich, ants, a horse, even an octopus – they all think they’d make the perfect pet. And then they start arriving at Oscar’s house. The family try to accommodate everyone, but eventually and unsurprisingly, Mum’s patience snaps! Illustrator Stephanie Laberis has a great time fitting the animals in, and their application letters are full of extra jokes. This is fun to read, fun to look at and fun to imagine.
Oscar's getting a pet! But which pet should he pick? And what on earth will he do when they all move in? His house is like a zoo! A book for animal lovers BIG and small.
John Kelly is an illustrator, writer and designer who has written and illustrated a variety of picture books, young fiction, graphic novels and non-fiction. He has been shortlisted twice for the Kate Greenaway prize and has helped create books for Lucasfilm and Pixar. Originally from the North East of England John now lives in South London.
