A Room with a Zoo

I'm a sucker for stories told by a child narrator in a child's voice, and this one is really tops! It's published by Hyperion Books for Children, but a lot of the humor is such that adults might like it more.

Funny, and a great voice throughout. I'd have loved this if I were 10 or a huge animal lover (not to imply I kick puppies or anything; I don't).

Adorable, even if I didn't agree with the reasoning behind the choice made at the end. Apparently it's more or less a true story, too.

Summary:
This a story about a little girl named Julie who lives in an apartment in Manhattan, New York. What Julie wants the most is a dog, but her parents do not agree. They get Julie a few pets. First we have Timmy the sick kitten, Hammy the hamster, Oscar the fish, another kitten, a hermit crab, and a dying bunny rabbit. While caring for all these animals in her room she learns that just because some of the animals are sick is no excuse to get rid of them. Julie really wants that dog but she knows that her parents would never trade her in for another child, so how can she trade in her pets for a dog. After the family comes together by takling care of the pets they realize that they are there for eachother. Julie ends up getting a dog show more at the end, but i think she realizes the importance of family and responsibility.

Personal Reflection:
I really enjoyed this book, I think it goes to show us that caring for pets can be life changing. Julie had her mind set on a dog and although she got one she learned valuable life lessons along the way. I think children can deffinitely learn from Julie's story.

Classroom Extensions:
1. I can purchase a pet for the classroom and have each one of the students care for it. This is a good way of learning responsibilities.
2. Have the kids write a short story on a pet they really wanted, but were not allowed to have. show less

Grade Level: 2-8
Awards: None

cute

Ages 7+