| Isn’t the world a better place with an animal by your side? Think of all of that freely given joy, companionship and love. Here are three books for your young reader that put pets at the center of the plot. The first is Drew Brockington’s brand new book in his CatStronaut series! These sweet little felines in their space suits and bubble helmets blast off for adventures to the far reaches of our galaxy. And the science at the center of the books is cool too. The new book features kittens Waffles and Pancake as they embark on a DIY project to build a rocket. And here’s the big news: Drew will join me in Rochester on May 6 for a live event at Mayo Presentation Hall. Bring the kids, bring the kittens (just kidding!) and hang out with us at 2 p.m. My second book about animals for kids is all about Arfy, who decides he needs to take matters into his own paws when he finds himself with a home. So, Arfy writes a letter to every family on Butternut Street informing them that he is housebroken, can learn to live with cats and will arrive with his own toy! Troy Cummings book, “Can I Be Your Dog” is a great introduction for kids ages 3 to 6 to the pleasures of adopting a new pet. And my last book, “Charming as a Verb," is about Henri Haltiwanger. He wants nothing more than to get into his dream college, Columbia. His somewhat shady dog-walking scheme seems like it will help get him there, until Corinne Troy discovers what he’s up to. She strikes a bargain with Henri to keep his secret if he’ll help her polish her image at high school. Author Ben Philippe says he wanted to write about the pressure to get into the so-called “right college” and populate the story with lots of great dogs.
— Kerri Miller | MPR News | 