The Big Pet Story

PreS-Gr 2—The creator of the PBS animated show Justin Time offers another print rendition of a series episode. As in The Pancake Express (Immedium, 2012), Scott uses large-scale cartoons and slapstick to illustrate his lesson. Justin wants to own the largest possible pet, so he travels to India to adopt Tiny, a pink elephant. A lady in a sari gives him rules for pet care: elephants need playtime, lots of peanuts, to be cleaned up after, exercise, and naps, over and over. When caring for Tiny proves too challenging for Justin, he donates her to the zoo. Cartoon sound effects ("Smash!" "Whizzz!" "Snap!") festoon the text, which leans toward well-trod phrases. The companion character Squidgy, a yellow, floating blob with dangling arms, is not explained. This story, therefore, is most likely best appreciated by fans of the television show.—Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA