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Pet Selector!: A hilarious guide to all the usual and unusual household pets
Let comedian Russell Kane help you select your next best friend in this HILARIOUS guide to choosing your very own cat, dog, hamster, rabbit, and more! Whether you're looking for the PERFECT pet or you just want to learn all about furry (or scaly) friends, look no further... and prepare to giggle!
Have you ever wanted to know the different personalities of cat and dog breeds, or stick insects for that matter? Well, Russell believes when choosing your very own pet, personality is the most important thing! Pet Selector is a perfectly hilarious guide to pet personalities, from their quirky characters to special skills, wants, needs, and even cuddling capabilities.
Infused with Russell's humor, personal stories, and anecdotes, Pet Selector is both a practical guide to finding a pet and a hugely entertaining account of pet personalities from one of the BIGGEST animal lovers out there. Even Russell's adorable, stinky pug Colin gets a mention or two.
Each entry includes an overview of the breed , an account of its temperament, the history of the breed or pet, and a handy score so you can rank each pet based on playfulness, lovingness, and more. Every pet is brought to life with Erica Salcedo's charming illustrations, and a photograph of each animal is included for reference.
Meet over 40 pets and breeds, ... AND SO MANY MORE!
Pet Selector is both a hilariously fun read and a practical resource for pet lovers everywhere. Giving you the information you need to choose your very own pet or the details you've always wanted to know about dogs, cats, rabbits, and even insects, this is the perfect book for animal lovers of all ages. Russell will not only make you laugh but also convince you to love your current, imaginary or future pets more than ever.
Have you ever wanted to know the different personalities of cat and dog breeds, or stick insects for that matter? Well, Russell believes when choosing your very own pet, personality is the most important thing! Pet Selector is a perfectly hilarious guide to pet personalities, from their quirky characters to special skills, wants, needs, and even cuddling capabilities.
Infused with Russell's humor, personal stories, and anecdotes, Pet Selector is both a practical guide to finding a pet and a hugely entertaining account of pet personalities from one of the BIGGEST animal lovers out there. Even Russell's adorable, stinky pug Colin gets a mention or two.
Each entry includes an overview of the breed , an account of its temperament, the history of the breed or pet, and a handy score so you can rank each pet based on playfulness, lovingness, and more. Every pet is brought to life with Erica Salcedo's charming illustrations, and a photograph of each animal is included for reference.
Meet over 40 pets and breeds, ... AND SO MANY MORE!
Pet Selector is both a hilariously fun read and a practical resource for pet lovers everywhere. Giving you the information you need to choose your very own pet or the details you've always wanted to know about dogs, cats, rabbits, and even insects, this is the perfect book for animal lovers of all ages. Russell will not only make you laugh but also convince you to love your current, imaginary or future pets more than ever.
112 pages, Hardcover
First published September 3, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 9, 2024
I received this book from Edelweiss/the publisher in exchange of an honest review.
I just COULDN’T resist this fun looking book! It took me a few tries to read, but that has nothing to do with the book itself, more to do with the fact it is a PDF and I had to read it on my PC and the font just wasn’t too big. XD
In this book we learn all about various pets. There is a big big spotlight on Cats and Dogs and the various breeds that come with those, and then there is a section featuring other pets, like house rabbits, rodents, birds, and the likes. While I do appreciate that Cats and Dogs get such a big spotlight, after all, there are a lot of breeds, I do wish that the Other Pets section was a bit bigger. Now it is just two pages per mentioned animal types, which is fun, but for just rodents you got hamsters, rats, mice, gerbils, and more! I miss the fishes. Budgies are nice, but where are the rest of the birds? The book now feels more like a Dog/Cat Selector and oh yes, here are some other pets.
But enough about that! Let’s get on with all the good! I loved the Introduction and the About this Book pages, they were fun to read and a fun way to start the book. Plus, I appreciate that in this book we learn all about the types of pets there are and that is the focus. Not like many other pet books also the care and what you should do to make sure they are good, and all that. No, in this book we get various breeds (and also some other pets) and see if they may be a match with what you are looking for in a home. From Bengals to Persians to Tonkinese to Boxers to Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (which is what Coco is so EEP) to Shih Tzu to Terriers. Each of these have an overview, a personality + scoring card, and also a bit on the history of the breeds.
I loved reading the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parts, haha, my Coco doesn’t mind chaos and loud stuff at all. I have ADHD, but she doesn’t mind me bouncing around or making random noises. I guess it helps that the breeder she came from had a little kid who, of course supervised, played with her a lot when she was just a tiny puppy + the breeder also took her to busy places to get her used to things + Coco has been with me since she was ready to leave her family and live with me and my hubby, which is about a year and a half now. As for the bright part, sometimes I wonder about that, haha. On the walk part, heck yeah, she loves her walks, but she will also clearly tell us when to head home again and she will just tug you back there. XD Which is adorable! Also neediness, haha, well I will give that a 10 and playfulness definitely an 8.
I really had a lot of fun reading all about the animals/breeds and learned quite a few new things about them.
The writing style was engaging and fun. And I liked to read about his pets and his experiences with them, he has had quite a few pets. Though I have to say at times the jokes got a bit old (like about family members and such or how handsome the author is).
The art was so much fun! I love the style and it made me laugh many times! I also love the portraits of Queen Victoria and seeing a new dog/pet in her lap with the previous one looking in WHUT?, that made me laugh. Oh, and I love the addition of photographs, and was happy with the extras featuring the author, his family, and his pets.
All in all, I would definitely recommend this book to all. It is a lot of fun with tons of information on various breeds/pets + cute images and photographs. I think this will be a hit with young and old, and I definitely want a physical copy for my shelves~
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I just COULDN’T resist this fun looking book! It took me a few tries to read, but that has nothing to do with the book itself, more to do with the fact it is a PDF and I had to read it on my PC and the font just wasn’t too big. XD
In this book we learn all about various pets. There is a big big spotlight on Cats and Dogs and the various breeds that come with those, and then there is a section featuring other pets, like house rabbits, rodents, birds, and the likes. While I do appreciate that Cats and Dogs get such a big spotlight, after all, there are a lot of breeds, I do wish that the Other Pets section was a bit bigger. Now it is just two pages per mentioned animal types, which is fun, but for just rodents you got hamsters, rats, mice, gerbils, and more! I miss the fishes. Budgies are nice, but where are the rest of the birds? The book now feels more like a Dog/Cat Selector and oh yes, here are some other pets.
But enough about that! Let’s get on with all the good! I loved the Introduction and the About this Book pages, they were fun to read and a fun way to start the book. Plus, I appreciate that in this book we learn all about the types of pets there are and that is the focus. Not like many other pet books also the care and what you should do to make sure they are good, and all that. No, in this book we get various breeds (and also some other pets) and see if they may be a match with what you are looking for in a home. From Bengals to Persians to Tonkinese to Boxers to Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (which is what Coco is so EEP) to Shih Tzu to Terriers. Each of these have an overview, a personality + scoring card, and also a bit on the history of the breeds.
I loved reading the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parts, haha, my Coco doesn’t mind chaos and loud stuff at all. I have ADHD, but she doesn’t mind me bouncing around or making random noises. I guess it helps that the breeder she came from had a little kid who, of course supervised, played with her a lot when she was just a tiny puppy + the breeder also took her to busy places to get her used to things + Coco has been with me since she was ready to leave her family and live with me and my hubby, which is about a year and a half now. As for the bright part, sometimes I wonder about that, haha. On the walk part, heck yeah, she loves her walks, but she will also clearly tell us when to head home again and she will just tug you back there. XD Which is adorable! Also neediness, haha, well I will give that a 10 and playfulness definitely an 8.
I really had a lot of fun reading all about the animals/breeds and learned quite a few new things about them.
The writing style was engaging and fun. And I liked to read about his pets and his experiences with them, he has had quite a few pets. Though I have to say at times the jokes got a bit old (like about family members and such or how handsome the author is).
The art was so much fun! I love the style and it made me laugh many times! I also love the portraits of Queen Victoria and seeing a new dog/pet in her lap with the previous one looking in WHUT?, that made me laugh. Oh, and I love the addition of photographs, and was happy with the extras featuring the author, his family, and his pets.
All in all, I would definitely recommend this book to all. It is a lot of fun with tons of information on various breeds/pets + cute images and photographs. I think this will be a hit with young and old, and I definitely want a physical copy for my shelves~
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
August 9, 2024
Wonderful book about all kinds of pets, the different breeds and everything you want to know before deciding on a pet. The book is written in a very easy way and with lots of humor. I really liked reading it and even though it is classified as a children’s fiction book I think this is a wonderful book for adults too if you’re deciding on getting a pet and choosing which one to get.
Besides that the artwork was very on point. I loved it all! Only thing I missed in the book obviously was a chapter on beagles, but ofcourse I am biased in that opinion because of Lucky 🐶 But who knows, maybe in another volume 🤷🏻♀️😏
Besides that the artwork was very on point. I loved it all! Only thing I missed in the book obviously was a chapter on beagles, but ofcourse I am biased in that opinion because of Lucky 🐶 But who knows, maybe in another volume 🤷🏻♀️😏
July 26, 2024
✨ Received free from Netgalley✨
I thought this book was cute.
Loved the drawings so funny and adorable.
Learnt new facts about Russell and different breeds of cats/dogs.
It was very information based so I skim read most of it.
I thought this book was cute.
Loved the drawings so funny and adorable.
Learnt new facts about Russell and different breeds of cats/dogs.
It was very information based so I skim read most of it.
July 29, 2024
A fun and very funny guide to picking your next pet, with terrific photos, illustrations, factoids, and more. Focuses on 40 breeds of typical or unusual creatures. Recommended!
March 8, 2025
Hilarious it is not. The only reason I'm giving it two stars and not one, is that some people might actually find it useful.
July 19, 2024
Releases September 3, 2024
THANK YOU Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book.
I genuinely enjoyed going through this book! So did my girls!
Humor and facts about some excellent breed choices of dogs and cats with some helpful insight on other animals you can have as pets. I did like seeing the rating on each animal too.
#ChildrensBooks #PetSelector #petbook #RussellKane #EricaSalcedo #Netgalley #CampNetgalley #quartopublishing #bookreciew #booksbooksbooks #bookstagram #bookrecommendations #booklover #bookaddict #booknerd #bookcommunity #booklove #bookblogger #book
THANK YOU Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book.
I genuinely enjoyed going through this book! So did my girls!
Humor and facts about some excellent breed choices of dogs and cats with some helpful insight on other animals you can have as pets. I did like seeing the rating on each animal too.
#ChildrensBooks #PetSelector #petbook #RussellKane #EricaSalcedo #Netgalley #CampNetgalley #quartopublishing #bookreciew #booksbooksbooks #bookstagram #bookrecommendations #booklover #bookaddict #booknerd #bookcommunity #booklove #bookblogger #book
August 31, 2024
Well, considering how many stand-ups have decided to have a sideline as children's author, there has to be a maverick in the bunch. I didn't expect it in quite this fashion, mind. Here, Russell Kane "presents" (and I think writes, before you start to question the credit) a junior non-fiction, which acts as a sort of pet choosing guide. It's not a pet welfare guide, or advice column, and thankfully it's not full of pester power rubbish to encourage a child to make impossible demands for pet ownership on their impoverished parents, as that would have gone straight down the dumper. But is it any good?
Well, I can't for one minute say it's essential. There's a lot of friendly warm-up – not crowd work as such, but certainly amiable introduction, about what pet to choose, Russell's pets of old, and how temperament is key, before we launch into the feline world. Here there are about twenty breeds of moggie, all with two pages – a photo, a bit about their origins, a fair bit about their behaviour and character so as to match the cat with the owner's needs, a score chart tally as if you're playing Top Trumps, and lots of colourful cartoons. There is then a similar chunk featuring dogs, and then a round-up of other potential household critters to close.
The pluses include the personable approach – this is certainly not the dry pet encyclopaedia, however useful such volumes are. I like the fact it foregrounds the natural, er, nature of the animal, so there's less chance of housing something not suited to you, and less chance of you wanting to make any beast something they're not. But it's still flawed – right from the off the young reader is reaching for a definition for 'temperament', and 'sorrel' in the colouring of the first cat here. It still demands another book or two about care even if this aids in your picking a breed. And people trying to rehouse the countless mongrels and mixed breeds of this world will hate the concentration here on purebreds, with the smallest of acknowledgement of the existence of anything else.
All told, this is certainly no disaster. But relying on a stand-up, however strong his wordsmithery and ability to sit and research for his hours of idleness each day, to learn about pets is probably akin to hoping for a ten minute set of crackers from the vet. It's as good as you could rightfully expect it to be, but in hard-up times, is that good enough?
Well, I can't for one minute say it's essential. There's a lot of friendly warm-up – not crowd work as such, but certainly amiable introduction, about what pet to choose, Russell's pets of old, and how temperament is key, before we launch into the feline world. Here there are about twenty breeds of moggie, all with two pages – a photo, a bit about their origins, a fair bit about their behaviour and character so as to match the cat with the owner's needs, a score chart tally as if you're playing Top Trumps, and lots of colourful cartoons. There is then a similar chunk featuring dogs, and then a round-up of other potential household critters to close.
The pluses include the personable approach – this is certainly not the dry pet encyclopaedia, however useful such volumes are. I like the fact it foregrounds the natural, er, nature of the animal, so there's less chance of housing something not suited to you, and less chance of you wanting to make any beast something they're not. But it's still flawed – right from the off the young reader is reaching for a definition for 'temperament', and 'sorrel' in the colouring of the first cat here. It still demands another book or two about care even if this aids in your picking a breed. And people trying to rehouse the countless mongrels and mixed breeds of this world will hate the concentration here on purebreds, with the smallest of acknowledgement of the existence of anything else.
All told, this is certainly no disaster. But relying on a stand-up, however strong his wordsmithery and ability to sit and research for his hours of idleness each day, to learn about pets is probably akin to hoping for a ten minute set of crackers from the vet. It's as good as you could rightfully expect it to be, but in hard-up times, is that good enough?
August 24, 2024
Book Review: Pet Selector! by Russell Kane & Erica Salcedo
Rating: 4 Stars
As someone who has always been a little obsessed with pets, I was thrilled to dive into Pet Selector! by Russell Kane and beautifully illustrated by Erica Salcedo. This book is like having a hilarious friend guide you through the chaotic world of pet selection, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint!
In Pet Selector!, comedian Russell Kane lends his comedic genius to the often serious task of choosing a pet. The book is packed with personality insights on a variety of animals—from the usual cats and dogs to the more unusual choices like stick insects! Russell emphasizes the importance of personality when selecting a pet, sharing his belief that understanding these quirky characters can make all the difference in finding your perfect furry (or scaly) companion.
What I found particularly delightful were the anecdotes and personal stories sprinkled throughout the book, including nods to Russell's own stinky pug, Colin. It made the reading experience feel even more intimate and relatable. The entries provide a comprehensive overview of each breed's temperament, history, and even include a helpful scoring system for traits like playfulness and affection.
I genuinely enjoyed going through this book, and I’m happy to report that my daughter did too! We had a blast flipping through the pages, laughing at the witty descriptions while also learning some valuable insights about various dog and cat breeds. The rating system for each animal was an added bonus, making it easier to compare potential pets based on their traits. And let’s not forget those adorable illustrations—they were a perfect complement to the text!
Overall, Pet Selector! is not just a practical resource for anyone looking to adopt a pet; it's also an entertaining read for animal lovers of all ages. Russell Kane's humor shines through every page, making you both chuckle and appreciate your current or future pets even more. If you're considering adding a new member to your family or simply want to know more about our furry (and scaly) friends, this book is a must-read!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: 4 Stars
As someone who has always been a little obsessed with pets, I was thrilled to dive into Pet Selector! by Russell Kane and beautifully illustrated by Erica Salcedo. This book is like having a hilarious friend guide you through the chaotic world of pet selection, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint!
In Pet Selector!, comedian Russell Kane lends his comedic genius to the often serious task of choosing a pet. The book is packed with personality insights on a variety of animals—from the usual cats and dogs to the more unusual choices like stick insects! Russell emphasizes the importance of personality when selecting a pet, sharing his belief that understanding these quirky characters can make all the difference in finding your perfect furry (or scaly) companion.
What I found particularly delightful were the anecdotes and personal stories sprinkled throughout the book, including nods to Russell's own stinky pug, Colin. It made the reading experience feel even more intimate and relatable. The entries provide a comprehensive overview of each breed's temperament, history, and even include a helpful scoring system for traits like playfulness and affection.
I genuinely enjoyed going through this book, and I’m happy to report that my daughter did too! We had a blast flipping through the pages, laughing at the witty descriptions while also learning some valuable insights about various dog and cat breeds. The rating system for each animal was an added bonus, making it easier to compare potential pets based on their traits. And let’s not forget those adorable illustrations—they were a perfect complement to the text!
Overall, Pet Selector! is not just a practical resource for anyone looking to adopt a pet; it's also an entertaining read for animal lovers of all ages. Russell Kane's humor shines through every page, making you both chuckle and appreciate your current or future pets even more. If you're considering adding a new member to your family or simply want to know more about our furry (and scaly) friends, this book is a must-read!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
November 30, 2024
I thought this book had cute, cartoon illustrations that honestly made me want to read it. I loved the introduction, probably because I connected with it so much. I too had some strange "pets" as a kid, one being a baby robin. I thought the "About This Book" section did a great job explaining the joys of pet ownership, but also how much thought should go into owning a pet (whatever pet you choose). I thought the rating scale at the begin of each breed was a good addition. Each animal was rated for: intelligence, playfulness, neediness, outdoor skills, and lovingness. The Overview and Personality sections were very informative, ands usually funny. I really enjoyed the history sections. They contained some pretty neat facts about each breed!
The only thing I would change is putting a picture of the animal on the same page as the Overview. It might be because I read this book digitally, but I had to keep going to the next page to see a picture of the animal (usually the cats) before I read the Overview so I had a visual. I am not a huge cat person, so am not as familiar with the different breeds. I was also a bit disappointed that there were no hounds (my favorite). That will just give me a reason to read the next book!
You could really feel the love Russell has for each animal. I thought the whole book was wonderfully written. It was a fun read even for someone who is not looking to add another pet to their family. The illustrations were amazing and so well done! Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend!
Thank you Quarto Publishing Group for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
The only thing I would change is putting a picture of the animal on the same page as the Overview. It might be because I read this book digitally, but I had to keep going to the next page to see a picture of the animal (usually the cats) before I read the Overview so I had a visual. I am not a huge cat person, so am not as familiar with the different breeds. I was also a bit disappointed that there were no hounds (my favorite). That will just give me a reason to read the next book!
You could really feel the love Russell has for each animal. I thought the whole book was wonderfully written. It was a fun read even for someone who is not looking to add another pet to their family. The illustrations were amazing and so well done! Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend!
Thank you Quarto Publishing Group for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
July 21, 2024
Pet Selector! is a cute guide for kids to help them pick the right pet or cat/dog breed for them and their families. It’s a funny non-fiction book I’d recommend for kids age 10 or older as it dies contain a lot of text that might deter younger readers.
What I liked: super cute, bright, and cheerful illustrations throughout by Erica Salcedo really added to the book, how the book is organized is well done and it has very humorous anecdotes and artwork throughout.
What could have been better: Maybe overcrowded animal shelters are an America only problem and not also a UK one (though I somehow doubt that) I wish Mr Kane had pushed animal rescue (of all animals but especially dogs and cats) instead of using breeders. But his love of animals definitely shines throughout.
This was a fun and informative book for kids of all ages looking for the perfect pet.
**Thanks to the author, illustrator, and publisher for the e-ARC I received via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.**
What I liked: super cute, bright, and cheerful illustrations throughout by Erica Salcedo really added to the book, how the book is organized is well done and it has very humorous anecdotes and artwork throughout.
What could have been better: Maybe overcrowded animal shelters are an America only problem and not also a UK one (though I somehow doubt that) I wish Mr Kane had pushed animal rescue (of all animals but especially dogs and cats) instead of using breeders. But his love of animals definitely shines throughout.
This was a fun and informative book for kids of all ages looking for the perfect pet.
**Thanks to the author, illustrator, and publisher for the e-ARC I received via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.**
July 22, 2024
Pet Selector! is a great guide to household pets that has adorable commentary and illustrations. I really loved how much care the author took when talking about each breed! The pics were hilarious and fantastic.
I wish there had been a little more focus on rescuing pets from shelters personally. I was also hoping for a few more pets besides cats, dogs, and rabbits, but this was still a super fun read! I can definitely see kiddos poring over it before choosing their next family pet. Thanks to Russell Kane, NetGalley, and Quarto Publishing for the chance to read and review. My thoughts are my own.
I wish there had been a little more focus on rescuing pets from shelters personally. I was also hoping for a few more pets besides cats, dogs, and rabbits, but this was still a super fun read! I can definitely see kiddos poring over it before choosing their next family pet. Thanks to Russell Kane, NetGalley, and Quarto Publishing for the chance to read and review. My thoughts are my own.
August 4, 2024
This book was so fun. It is informative, colorful, and funny. Russell Kane gives an overview, personality breakdown, and history of each breed, along with a breed score card. The book is broken down by cats, dogs, and "other pets". I wasn't expecting such a variety of cat breeds, which was a nice change from all of the dog breeds that are dropped daily in every day conversations. Overall a fun book for a family who is ready to dive in for a new furry family member.
Many thanks to Netgalley for allowing me access to this ARC for review.
Many thanks to Netgalley for allowing me access to this ARC for review.
July 23, 2024
This is the perfect book for myself and kids to enjoy as we’re learning about the different breeds of cats and dogs. We see so many different ones at the park and that our friends and family has. The author made this fun and exciting! Love the illustrations and colors too. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy.
July 24, 2024
I loved this book and would definitely purchase for my school library. The short but informative and interesting paragraphs along with great illustrations were perfect for my primary school kids but would still be an interesting read for an older child.
Thanks to NetGallery and Quarto Publishing Group for the opportunity to enjoy this e-ARC
Thanks to NetGallery and Quarto Publishing Group for the opportunity to enjoy this e-ARC
September 11, 2024
This is such a cute little encyclopedia of pets! I loved the layout and art for each pet. The rating system was adorable and made things really simple, I’m sure kids will love to find the pet that suits them the most. My favourite part of this book was definitely the historical facts included, I loved learning new things!
October 8, 2024
Wonderful, fun illustrations of different animals. There is a cat, dog, reptile, rodent and even bug section. Describes different breeds of these popular pets, their personalities and tips for taking care of each breed. Great book for kids looking to get a new pet, families looking for a breed. Doesn't have all of them, jut the popular breeds.
August 13, 2025
Kane offers readers insight into many breeds of cats and dogs as well as other types of pets. Each page spread offers the history and current information about the animals. Love the cartoon pictures that accompany the information.
August 6, 2024
I love this book. It is so informative and the content is absolutely fun. My only complaint is that I have 2 Exotic Shorthair masters at home, would have loved to read more about them.
March 17, 2025
Lots of unusual pets
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews