Pet Boy

by Chronicle Books Staff, Keith Graves

Meet Stanley—avid pet collector. He purchases them in singles and in matching colored sets. Big or small, dry or wet, he loves to buy new pets. But, always on the lookout for something new and unique, Stanley quickly loses interest in the pets he has. Until one day, he finds a very unusual pet store, and before he can say, "I'll take the singing manta ray,"—zap!—he finds himself inside a cage! Stanley quickly learns the ups and downs of being a pet, and by the end of his intergalactic adventure he understands the importance of friendship, loyalty and respect. The creator of Frank Was a Monster Who Wanted to Dance has concocted another zany story that is as hilarious as it is thought-provoking.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Space, Storytime, Animals

40 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2001

Reviews

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title is a pretty cute play on words because in this story an animal collecting youngster learns what it's like to be a pet. A fun tale, and the little one's should dig the author's colorful artwork which features many, many strange and silly aliens.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a new love and his name is Keith Graves! Well, I should clarify that I'm in love with his amazing talent to illustrate books! I LOVED this book! It's a unique story about a young boy who loves to obtain pets but as soon as that "new pet excitment" wears off he forgets about them and wants a new one. One day, he enters a strange pet shop and finds himself captured by an alien who sells him as a unique pet on another planet! The boy learns what it's like to be a pet and knows he needs to change his ways. He finds a way to get back on Earth and has a chat with his pets. This books is beautifully illustrated which will capture any childs interest, has a wonderful story that will warm your heart, and will teach the importance of caring and loving a pet.

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing wrong with it per se, but I'm just not wowed, even when I imagine myself a young SF fan. I did like the image of the alien 'animal shelter' though, and the pets's skepticism near the end.

[Mrs Heet -Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stanley loves collecting pets but bores of them quickly. What an interesting turn of events when Stanley become the kept pet! Will Stanley make it back home and will his pets forgive him?

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book definitely gives one a different view on pets. Having one verse being one.

[Lynne Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a super important message! Clever and creative. Much needed story for kids and adults.

[Kelly Sommers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stanleyavid is a pet collector. He purchases them in singles and in matching colored sets. He is always buying new pets of any kind. Stanley quickly loses interest in the pets he has. Until one day, he finds a very unusual pet store. He ends up inside the cage magically. Stanley quickly learns the ups and downs of being a pet, and by the end of his adventure he understands the importance of friendship, loyalty and respect. This book is great for teaching children about pets but also about real friendships. I think it is good for children in grade school. I would surly read this Si Fi book to my students or children one day. The pictures are way to cute to pass up.

[Brianna Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very fun book about a boy who likes to collect exotic pets. The twist in the end makes the story very interesting. I think this would be a great book for readers because it is different and draws the reader in, making reading more fun and exciting. The illustrations are also a great addition to this story line.

[Kayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think that this is an excellent book to read to children when talking about pets. The boy learns that pets are more than just pets. They deserve respect to. He, himself, gets locked up as a pet and realizes that he doesn't like it.

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is like a cross between The Ant Bully and a nice alien abduction story. The boy learns from his experiences in the other person's shoes that mistreating his pets is truly an egregious act. Then he returns to his own life and attempts to right his previous wrongs.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4.5 stars)

Stanley loves to collect and study pets, but quickly gets bored with them and neglects them. But as Stanley is searching for an "out of this world" unique pet, he gets captured and taken to an alien planet where he becomes an alien pet!

[Jussay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A boy learns first-hand the importance of taking good care of your pets when he is sold in an off-world pet shop.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great illustrations and passable rhyme in this picture book about a boy who loves finding new exotic pets until he gets kidnapped by a greedy alien then placed in an exotic pet store in outer space.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gives a glimpse of life from a pet's perspective.

[Mariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun way to understand the golden rule for pet care!

[Jack · Rating 3 out of 5]

It really takes similar experience to really empathize. Stanley finds out what it is really like to be on the other side of the glass jar. Illustrations in acrylics.
Grade Level: Preschool - 7

[Alfajirikali · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brings important issues about keeping pets to light.