Pet Show! (Picture Puffins)

by Justin on Sep.29, 2010, under Pets

:Picture, Puffins, Show

5 Comments for this entry

Sheryl Stein
September 29th, 2010 on 11:00 am
Review by Sheryl Stein for Pet Show! (Picture Puffins)
Rating:
Poor Archie. In the previous EJK book “Hi Cat,” a darn alley cat follows him home after wreaking havoc with his day. Now, in “Pet Show,” Archie is ready to enter the contest with said cat — but cat has vanished. Archie ultimately displays cleverness as well as kindness, a wonderful lesson for little ones. EJK’s books are always visually gorgeous, with colors and textures that delight readers. But even the grownup who reads this book will appreciate clever little Archie and the reminder that sometimes, tough situations require a little ingenuity and a helping of grace.

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W. K. Miller
September 29th, 2010 on 11:17 am
Review by W. K. Miller for Pet Show! (Picture Puffins)
Rating:
It’s the day of the neighborhood pet show, and Archie plans to take his cat. But where IS the cat? Archie can’t find it, so Peter, Roberto, and Susie reluctantly go to the pet show without him. Ensuring that each contestant is a winner, the judges give out blue ribbons to everyone, creating categories on the fly, such as “cat with the longest whiskers,” “friendliest fish,” etc. Archie finally arrives, but an old woman shows up just as Archie is displaying his hasty last-second entry (a jar, containing a germ). Beside the old woman is Archie’s cat. The old woman is given the blue ribbon for displaying the cat. Archie displays good humor and grace. The old woman offers the blue ribbon to Archie, but he insists that she keep it. Archie and his friends all enjoy themselves.Like most of Ezra Jack Keats’ books, _Pet Show_ is populated with children and adults of several ethnicities, but primarily African-American. The book design is marvelous. Basically the book looks like _A Letter To Amy_ and _Whistle for Willie_.My son and I read this one all the time. He’s almost 2 1/2 years old, and while I expect that most children are enjoying this at age 4 and age 5, my son thoroughly loves it. When we reach the section where Archie is late for the pet show, he almost can’t contain himself until he sees Archie’s silhouette racing along, jar in hand, and he belts out “Here Goes Archie!”– _Pet Show_ is a winner.Ken32

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Anonymous
September 29th, 2010 on 11:58 am
Review by for Pet Show! (Picture Puffins)
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I liked this book because of its colorful illustrations that enliven the story. The stories that Ezra Jack Keats write are so good to use for children to relate to. I recomend his books to teachers to use in bibliotherapy and for just anyone to read. I also have read “Peter’s Chair” and again just as in all his other books you find real life situations in relation to life. Then there’s his wonderfull illustrations.

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Gillian Winzinger
September 29th, 2010 on 12:10 pm
Review by Gillian Winzinger for Pet Show! (Picture Puffins)
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I bought this book for my son because it was about a topic he likes (pets), and it is in the appropriate Accelerated Reader range for him to be reading for school (second grade.) I had never read it before, and actually the only other book I had read by Keats was The Snowy Day, which had never really appealed to me. I was nicely surprised by this- the bold, interesting, colorful illustrations especially. The story is also enjoyable, I think the idea of having a neighborhood pet show is one that appeals to a lot of children, and the story is funny and cute enough to be interesting, but not in an over-done way. It also has a good message to it, which is never boldly stated so it’s not at all a preachy “this is how to be kind and have good manners” kind of book. I wouldn’t put it in the category of all-time favorites, but it was definitely enjoyable and original.

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Bethany L. Canfield
September 29th, 2010 on 12:40 pm
Review by Bethany L. Canfield for Pet Show! (Picture Puffins)
Rating:
Loved it. Ezra Jack Keats has all of our votes. His images are kidlike- in that they make sense to the kids, and they are high quality and cleaver as well. The writing of this book is cool, calm and perfect. It is easy to sit back and enjoy Keats and his beautiful characters Archie and Peter in this classic.

Pet Show is about a place where there will be a judging of all the neighborhood pets, however Archie’s pet Cat (the star from HI, Cat!) is missing. His mom tries to help him understand that Cat is not that reliable and cannot be asked to know when to appear for the show. Archie ends up staying home while Peter and the rest of his friends gather up their pets and head off to win some prizes. You’ll have to read the rest on your own, as I wouldn’t want to spoil the clever ending for anyone! It is pretty cute, the boys and I sat and enjoyed the story just as much as the artwork in this book.

I tremble at admitting this, but this is my first Ezra Jack Keats book! Yes, I know this isn’t even the one that I see everywhere, The Snowy Day is THAT book.

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