Eglantine Ceulemans

This funny story features a black kid. Buy it now! Ok, a little more information.

Have you ever met one of those kids that just pushes all the boundaries... but they're such cute little stinkers you can't help but laugh even when they're driving you crazy? That's Bartholomew Botts and he LOVES pets. Naturally, he wants to share this love with his classmates so he brings along his newest pet, Ferdinand the frog. This does not go over well, especially in art class, and especially with the show more teacher, Mr. Patanoose. "No frogs in school!" So the next day Bartholomew brings a salamander - after all, it's not a frog... "Keep your amphibians at home!" So Bartholomew brings Horace the hamster. He's not an amphibian...

Bartholomew works his way through the animal kingdom and Mr. Patanoose works his way through an ever-diminishing supply of patience until Bartholomew finds his way around the last blanket prohibition, "no more of YOUR pets" and all ends happily for teacher, classmates, and animals.

Cheery cartoons show a lanky, white male teacher with absurdly large red glasses, a diverse (albeit unrealistically small) classroom of 8 children, and a fun assortment of cheeky animals.

Verdict: This is a top pick for a silly storytime - and to teach kids a few animal classes like rodents, amphibians, and reptiles. Recommended.

ISBN: 9781454926986; Published August 2018 by Sterling; Borrowed from another library in my consortium show less

Tons of excitement, giggles and surprises await in this hilarious book...which hopefully, doesn't spark too many ideas.

Bartholomew loves his pets and decides to give, at least, his frog the chance to visit school. But the frog doesn't stay in his pocket and soon, all sorts of chaos breaks out. The teacher has no choice but to state a new rule—no frogs in school. Bartholomew, however has many other pets which aren't frogs, who would love to see school too.

This is simply a delightful read. show more Bartholomew is so pure in his intentions that he never falls into a naughty boy role, although his actions are clearly not what the teacher meant. He's sweet and as adorable as his pets, even the more scaly ones.

This is one of those books where illustrations and text flow harmoniously together, the one supporting the other to jointly build a fun story. While giggles and chokes are sure to come with Bartholomew's logic, even more ensue when the animals hit the classroom. The kids' reactions and silliness is contagious. And all the while, the illustrations also offer a type of search. After all, these animals are quick and everywhere. The ending rounds everything off nicely and concludes with an idea which leaves everyone satisfied.

Summed up, this is a super cute picture book with a laughter inducing tale, which kids will easily fall into and enjoy reading again and again.

I received a complimentary copy and found this books so cute and humorous that I wanted to leave my honest thoughts. show less