Can I Keep It, Please?

by John Sullivan, Jessica Gibson (illustrator)

From the award-winning author of Kitten and the Night Watchman comes a tender and relatable picture book about what makes a pet truly special.

Evie’s pet is Sasha the cat. Sasha is the best pet ever. But Jenny has a friendly ferret. Garrett has cuddly guinea pigs. And David has a squawking parrot. Suddenly, to Evie, Sasha seems plain. And that makes Evie wonder…could there be a better pet for her? Until she realizes that all pets are special if you love them.

Genres: Picture Books, Cats

Kindle Edition

Published August 26, 2025

About the author

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Reviews

[Christian Schultheiss · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brand new highlighted book at my local library and the kid on the cover seemed so sweet we had to check it out and it really ended up being a fun reading adventure and even a bit of a reminder of the curious wonder that children have, and the natural love that seems to dwell in their hearts. I totally sympathized with the protagonist wanted to keep a random pet snake she found, because I guarantee you every little creature I found that was cool I tried the same thing, and also mad props to the parents for rolling with it and using it as a learning lesson, but nonetheless I was a little jealous in my childhood heart because unlike her parents, mine were like, that’s sweet now bring it back outside now and never bring it back in. But I loved the sentiment either way. 3.5/5

[Nicole Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion.

Poor Sasha the cat! Her friend Evie wants an “exciting” pet and so she catches a snake. Soon Evie learns that the snake doesn’t really want to be a pet and Sasha is as devoted as a pet can be. I loved a lot of things about this book. It is totally a realistic thing for a kid to do in wanting something new and exciting without realizing how great they already have it. I love how Sasha stays devoted (something cats don’t often get a lot of credit for) and that one of the themes is that wild animals don’t really want to be pets, they want to live their own life in the wild. A great book for discussing wild animals vs. pets and how to appreciate what you have, even if it is not a fancy or exotic life.

[Meghan Bohn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like the messages that wild animals don't make good pets, and that 'cool' pets like snakes don't actually do that much, and don't view their owners as anything besides a source of body heat that feeds them. I appreciate that author's note on how just because we all kept wild critters as pets back in the day doesn't mean it's a good thing. I do wish Sasha had been on a leash the whole time she was pictured outside, but that would have ruined a couple plot points.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Teach kids about why you shouldn't keep wild creatures as pets, like snakes and bugs. Was a different take on the pet picture book which I liked. Lots of kids love to ask if they can keep wild creatures they find.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very cute book. It has a wholesome storyline, with a sweet ending. The illustrations are entertaining, and my kiddo liked looking at the pictures after we finished the book.
While some two year olds might enjoy this book, I feel it’s best suited for three to five year olds.

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 3 out of 5]

F&G: cute story about appreciating what you have, plus it teaches you about snakes.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wild animals never make good pets. I wish there was a bigger message in regards to this in the story.

[Michele Knott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes we overlook what is there right in front of us! A good reminder for all. Sasha the cat knew what she was doing!

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll be honest, this one felt a little too didactic. But then it also didn't fully grasp the whole pet conversation.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good story not just about appreciating the pet you have but also that not all creatures are meant to be pets.