Author: James Howe
Illustrator: Melissa Sweet
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
Subgenre: Realistic Fiction
Themes: pets, cats, caring for a new pet and family relationships
Primary and Secondary Characters: Pinky, Rex, Amanda, Pinky and Amanda's Mother and Father and Patches
Awards: Young Hoosier Book Award
Date of Publication: 2001
Publishing Company: Aladdin Paperbacks
Summary:
Pinky and Rex are best friends and Pinky is excited that his family is about to decide on which family pet to get! Pinky so badly wants a dog, but his sister Amanda wants a cat. Their parents both decide on a cat and Pinky is hoping to sway his parents into getting dog. But, his plans on getting a dog are changed when Pinky and Amanda's dad take them to the supermarket and see that there is a girl giving away free kittens. Pinky can't believe his luck. He really isn't going to get a dog now. Amanda falls in love with a particular kitten and Pinky deep down thinks she's cute too. Their dad lets them take her home, but Pinky swears that he won't be too involved with the addition of their new kitten, Patches. Even though Patches seems like Amanda's cat, Patches is really more interested in Pinky. Pinky soon gets close to Patches and begins to take care of her daily needs. Patches even sleeps with Pinky every night! One day, Patches goes missing and everyone tries to look for her. Giving up after a whole day of searching, Pinky tries to fall asleep. As he lies in bed, he feels a warm fur ball at the end of his bed. Low and behold, Patches had been hiding there all day! After shouting, "Patches," his family comes in to see. Everyone is excited that Patches was found and Amanda is glad to see that Pinky really does care for Patches. As Pinky comes to realize his own love for Patches, he decides that he doesn't need a dog after all!
Pinky and Rex are best friends and Pinky is excited that his family is about to decide on which family pet to get! Pinky so badly wants a dog, but his sister Amanda wants a cat. Their parents both decide on a cat and Pinky is hoping to sway his parents into getting dog. But, his plans on getting a dog are changed when Pinky and Amanda's dad take them to the supermarket and see that there is a girl giving away free kittens. Pinky can't believe his luck. He really isn't going to get a dog now. Amanda falls in love with a particular kitten and Pinky deep down thinks she's cute too. Their dad lets them take her home, but Pinky swears that he won't be too involved with the addition of their new kitten, Patches. Even though Patches seems like Amanda's cat, Patches is really more interested in Pinky. Pinky soon gets close to Patches and begins to take care of her daily needs. Patches even sleeps with Pinky every night! One day, Patches goes missing and everyone tries to look for her. Giving up after a whole day of searching, Pinky tries to fall asleep. As he lies in bed, he feels a warm fur ball at the end of his bed. Low and behold, Patches had been hiding there all day! After shouting, "Patches," his family comes in to see. Everyone is excited that Patches was found and Amanda is glad to see that Pinky really does care for Patches. As Pinky comes to realize his own love for Patches, he decides that he doesn't need a dog after all!
How it will be used in the classroom:
This is a great story to read to inform students the importance of caring for a pet. The book also teaches the importance of sharing, family companionship and responsibility. The reading level of this book would be great for students in either second or third grade. There are lots of great lessons to tie in with this book such as a book project, vocabulary and creative writing. This would be a great addition to any classroom library!
This is a great story to read to inform students the importance of caring for a pet. The book also teaches the importance of sharing, family companionship and responsibility. The reading level of this book would be great for students in either second or third grade. There are lots of great lessons to tie in with this book such as a book project, vocabulary and creative writing. This would be a great addition to any classroom library!
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