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If Pets Wrote Poems: A Parody Collection
From the award-winning author of ANIMALS IN SURPRISING SHADES comes another one-of-a-kind poetry collection written from the viewpoint of the pets of historically famous poets.
Read about Benjamin Franklin in an ode written by Mungo, his pet squirrel, or a new version of Edgar Allen Poe's The Raven, as imagined by his cat, Catterina. Packed with facts about historical and literary figures and their pets, this collection of poems will have young readers returning for more ... and writing a poem or two of their own. Each spread contains at least one poem from a different poet, written in the unique style of each poet (or, in this case, their pet!), that is sure to have children and caregivers alike enjoying a laugh and looking with new eyes upon their own favorite pets.
Filled with bright, engaging illustrations and a fun assortment of animal characters, this book is the perfect combination of history and poetry that will inspire curiosity and encourage an early love for poetry. It's the perfect addition to elementary school classrooms and libraries, as well as a fun read-aloud for storytime and bedtime.
Read about Benjamin Franklin in an ode written by Mungo, his pet squirrel, or a new version of Edgar Allen Poe's The Raven, as imagined by his cat, Catterina. Packed with facts about historical and literary figures and their pets, this collection of poems will have young readers returning for more ... and writing a poem or two of their own. Each spread contains at least one poem from a different poet, written in the unique style of each poet (or, in this case, their pet!), that is sure to have children and caregivers alike enjoying a laugh and looking with new eyes upon their own favorite pets.
Filled with bright, engaging illustrations and a fun assortment of animal characters, this book is the perfect combination of history and poetry that will inspire curiosity and encourage an early love for poetry. It's the perfect addition to elementary school classrooms and libraries, as well as a fun read-aloud for storytime and bedtime.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published April 14, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
October 11, 2025
This is such a fun idea and I'm definitely up for more. The poems are so clever in how they show different sides of the pets' owners, and they're also just fun on their own.
April 15, 2026
What a fun and funny concept! This poetry collection is a fun tour through history and geography, with a lot of humour and fun language to enjoy
October 2, 2025
If Pets Wrote Poems by Susan Johnston Taylor is a collection of poetry authored by famous historical individuals' pets. The poems are funny and entertaining. Each poem combines a parody of famous poems written by pets of famous people such as Dr. Suess and Margaret Wise Brown. This unique combination of poetry will encourage young children to a love of poetry. For instance, the collection features a poem by Edgar Allan Poe's cat, titled "The Raven," where the feline muses over never-ending quests for treats and the mysterious allure of the moonlit night. This playful twist on Poe's classic work is sure to captivate young readers and spark their imagination. The poems are written in a playful and whimsical style, capturing the voice and personality of each pet. Rhymes and rhythms are cleverly crafted to mimic the original works while adding a humorous twist. This approach makes the poems both engaging and accessible for young readers, sparking their interest in poetry. Humor makes poetry more relatable and enjoyable for children, drawing them in with laughter and curiosity. It helps to break down any barriers or intimidation they might feel towards poetry, making it more approachable. By associating poetry with fun and amusement, children are more likely to develop a lasting interest in reading and exploring other poetic works. Parody serves as an entry point for understanding traditional poetry by highlighting the structure, themes, and styles of the original works in a humorous context. By engaging with these playful renditions, children can begin to recognize the patterns and literary devices used in classic poetry. This familiarity not only demystifies traditional poems but also enhances their appreciation and comprehension of more serious literary pieces. Parody poems thus serve as an effective tool to introduce children to the world of poetry, fostering both enjoyment and understanding.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Fun. Just plain ol' fun.
I thoroughly enjoyed this parody collection of poems credited to the writer's pets. Although I have to admit to not being fully familiar with the writings of all the writers showcased here, it was fun to learn about them through the eyes of their pets. Did you know Ben Franklin had a pet squirrel named Mungo? We get Mungo's supposed take on its human's adventures with a kite and lightning. I do think my favorite parody may have been by Catterina, Edgar Allen Poe's cat simply for the ending. You're even encouraged to sing one of the poems to the tune of that pet's owner's contribution to America's national song selection. And, oh, I don't want to list them all by know you'll enjoy Dr. Seuss' Sam-I-Am as told by his Yorkshire terrier Sam, who is actually a Samantha.
The book is set up with each spread featuring a different poet/pet. You get the parody poem and a bit about the human side of that partnership. Nothing long winded, hence easily digested by young minds. Heck, even the brief bits about the writers offer up humor, as do the illustrations. While not realistic, they are colorful and, well, fun, with the pet supposedly being quoted easily recognizable. Well, if you know what, say, a wombat is. In other words you're getting a bit of poetry with a side of history. There's a list of picture books available for the poets/writers spotlighted as well as a select list of the works cited at the end. Even if you aren't particularly familiar with the wordsmiths, it's a great way to introduce them to yourself and young readers. Thanks #GnomeRoadPublishing for allowing me this early peek at what was a fun, lively read. Rather wish I'd had this in my teaching days, gotta admit.
I thoroughly enjoyed this parody collection of poems credited to the writer's pets. Although I have to admit to not being fully familiar with the writings of all the writers showcased here, it was fun to learn about them through the eyes of their pets. Did you know Ben Franklin had a pet squirrel named Mungo? We get Mungo's supposed take on its human's adventures with a kite and lightning. I do think my favorite parody may have been by Catterina, Edgar Allen Poe's cat simply for the ending. You're even encouraged to sing one of the poems to the tune of that pet's owner's contribution to America's national song selection. And, oh, I don't want to list them all by know you'll enjoy Dr. Seuss' Sam-I-Am as told by his Yorkshire terrier Sam, who is actually a Samantha.
The book is set up with each spread featuring a different poet/pet. You get the parody poem and a bit about the human side of that partnership. Nothing long winded, hence easily digested by young minds. Heck, even the brief bits about the writers offer up humor, as do the illustrations. While not realistic, they are colorful and, well, fun, with the pet supposedly being quoted easily recognizable. Well, if you know what, say, a wombat is. In other words you're getting a bit of poetry with a side of history. There's a list of picture books available for the poets/writers spotlighted as well as a select list of the works cited at the end. Even if you aren't particularly familiar with the wordsmiths, it's a great way to introduce them to yourself and young readers. Thanks #GnomeRoadPublishing for allowing me this early peek at what was a fun, lively read. Rather wish I'd had this in my teaching days, gotta admit.
November 2, 2025
Ok, I absolutely loved this book. Poetry isn’t a genre I normally gravitate towards, even though I admire poets greatly…I could never write a great poem; however, Susan Johnston Taylor has approached poetry in such a unique and entertaining way that I couldn’t help but be charmed.
This book will, without a doubt, ignite curiosity about various authors through the perspective of their pets.
This children’s poetry book features poems written by pets. For example, Flush, Elizabeth Barrett Browning's cocker spaniel, writes “To Elizabeth, My Person” in the style of Browning’s “To Flush, My Dog.” Naturally, students will want to find Browning's poem to read more about Flush.
In another poem , apparently, Jack Kerouac owned a Persian Cat named Tyke. Tyke writes a poem called “One Mouse,” modelled after Kerouac's “One Flower.” Did I look up “One Flower”? Yes, I did.
And then there is my favourite, a poem written by Edgar Allan Poe’s Cat named Catterina, named “The Raven” written in the style of, yes, you guessed it, “The Raven”. Love, love, loved it.
In my opinion, this book would be a wonderful addition to any classroom, from the earliest grades up to grade twelve. Featuring poems about the pets of their poets, it offers a unique and engaging way to inspire a love for poetry.
This book will be published in March 2026 —put it in your cart now for a wonderful surprise in the spring.
Thank you to Gnome Road Publishing and Netgalley for the copy.
This book will, without a doubt, ignite curiosity about various authors through the perspective of their pets.
This children’s poetry book features poems written by pets. For example, Flush, Elizabeth Barrett Browning's cocker spaniel, writes “To Elizabeth, My Person” in the style of Browning’s “To Flush, My Dog.” Naturally, students will want to find Browning's poem to read more about Flush.
In another poem , apparently, Jack Kerouac owned a Persian Cat named Tyke. Tyke writes a poem called “One Mouse,” modelled after Kerouac's “One Flower.” Did I look up “One Flower”? Yes, I did.
And then there is my favourite, a poem written by Edgar Allan Poe’s Cat named Catterina, named “The Raven” written in the style of, yes, you guessed it, “The Raven”. Love, love, loved it.
In my opinion, this book would be a wonderful addition to any classroom, from the earliest grades up to grade twelve. Featuring poems about the pets of their poets, it offers a unique and engaging way to inspire a love for poetry.
This book will be published in March 2026 —put it in your cart now for a wonderful surprise in the spring.
Thank you to Gnome Road Publishing and Netgalley for the copy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If Pets Wrote Poems: A Parody Collection, is one of the cleverest books of poetry that I have read. Author Susan Johnston Taylor has gathered a collection of famous pet owning poets and writers that children will love to meet on the pages of this picture book. She has written poems, supposedly penned by the pets, based on the writing style of each poet. I enjoyed learning about Benjamin Franklin and his pet squirrel Mungo, Pablo Neruda and mongoose Kiria, Charlotte Bronte and her goose named Adelaide, and Judy, Beatrix Potter’s lizard. Sandie Sonke’s illustrations bright and cheery illustrations are filled with wonderful details.
If Pets Wrote Poems: A Parody Collection is a perfect addition to class and home libraries and will introduce young readers to a variety of wonderful poets – and their pets!
If Pets Wrote Poems: A Parody Collection is a perfect addition to class and home libraries and will introduce young readers to a variety of wonderful poets – and their pets!
October 16, 2025
IF PETS WROTE POEMS by Susan Johnston Taylor is a kid-appealing collection of history meets poetry. Each poem is “authored” by the pets of historically famous people. From Dr. Seuss’ Yorkshire Terrier named Samantha, and Edgar Allen Poe’s cat named Catterina, to Beatrix Potter’s lizard named Judy, kids will be introduced to fun and engaging poetry. Each poem is cleverly written and accompanied with whimsical illustrations by Sandie Sonke. In addition, back-matter is found on each page. Perfect for teachers, elementary school libraries, and anybody looking to expand their personal poetry collection. Highly recommend.
October 17, 2025
What a brilliant and fun book of poems! First, I've got to say that my favorite is the one written by Edgar Allen Poe's cat! I snorted when I reached the end of it. So perfect (and macabre😁)! But all of these poems, written by the pets of famous authors (including Ben Franklin's pet squirrel, Mungo) are perfect for kids and will most likely send them imagining the poems that their own pets would write. The biographical snippets about each famous person and their pet will make each a bit more "real" for kids, too. Not just a name in a history book. Plus, the illustrations by Sandie Sonke add their own layer of humor. Great book!
April 19, 2026
Susan’s If Pets Wrote Poems: A Parody is a clever and charming collection that imagines the pets of famous figures stepping into the spotlight, each with their own hilarious poetic voice. By playfully mimicking well-known poetic styles, Susan brings these animals to life—whether it’s a brooding, dramatic cat or an overly eager dog—while weaving in subtle nods to their famous owners. The result is sharp, funny, and surprisingly insightful, capturing both the quirks of pets and the personalities of the people they belong to. With its smart humor and warm tone, this book is an entertaining, feel-good read that’s perfect for dipping into again and again.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this! So clever. Take a bunch of famous poets. Now, what would happen if their pets wrote poems to rival/mimic their famous works that have come down to us? Like Edgar Allen Poe? It's not the raven that writes a poem. It's his cat, Catterina. (But the raven does come into it!!) And that's just one example.
I love how each poem includes a little bio of the poet. This would make for a wonderful unit in any classroom on poetry and a little bit of history.
(I received an advanced copy of this story for review purposes. My thoughts are entirely my own.)
I love how each poem includes a little bio of the poet. This would make for a wonderful unit in any classroom on poetry and a little bit of history.
(I received an advanced copy of this story for review purposes. My thoughts are entirely my own.)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley, Gnome Road Publishing & Susan Johnston Taylor for this eARC.
I read this book what feels like months ago, but I don’t know what happened that I never posted my review. I do remember finding this book to be a clever way of trying to get children to be into poetry while also introducing them to some of the most famous poets around the world. My almost 5yo is starting to get into rhymes, and I dislike not having the PDF of this book anymore, so I will definitely be grabbing a physical copy of this book as soon as it releases.
I read this book what feels like months ago, but I don’t know what happened that I never posted my review. I do remember finding this book to be a clever way of trying to get children to be into poetry while also introducing them to some of the most famous poets around the world. My almost 5yo is starting to get into rhymes, and I dislike not having the PDF of this book anymore, so I will definitely be grabbing a physical copy of this book as soon as it releases.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I cannot get over how clever this book of poetry is! The poetic styles are perfection, and the pets as the poets is just the most kid-centric thing ever. Personal favorites are Poe's cat, Catterina, penning her version of "The Raven" and Emily Dickinson's Newfoundland, Carlo with his iteration of "I'm Nobody! Who Are You?"
Each poet/pet pairing has a footnote that introduces the reader to the subject and gives a fun fact or backstory. Highly recommend for poetry lovers, animal lovers & consumers of fun facts and parodies!
Each poet/pet pairing has a footnote that introduces the reader to the subject and gives a fun fact or backstory. Highly recommend for poetry lovers, animal lovers & consumers of fun facts and parodies!
May 16, 2026
If Pets Wrote Poems: A Parody Collection, is hilarious, interesting, and unexpected!! It features a parodied set of famous poems reimagined by equally famous historical or literary figures'...pets! Author Susan Johnston Taylor has found a highly creative vehicle for introducing kids to all facets of her book, from poetry to personality. Poems supposedly penned by the pets (based on the original poet's style) bring their owners to life, revealing interesting aspects of the latter. A fun book, with adorable illustrations by Sandie Sonke. Perfect for home and classroom use! Highly recommend!
October 2, 2025
I liked the concept of this book. Also, all the information was helpful for teachers who wanted to start with a poetry lesson then branch off to a biography of a famous person. Unfortunately, I didn't care for the illustrations or most of the poems. Maybe if the pets were less cartoony and more realistic, I would have liked it more. Sorry.
"The Gallery of Cats" by Ruth Brown did a similar thing, but instead of poetry it was art. I preferred that book.
"The Gallery of Cats" by Ruth Brown did a similar thing, but instead of poetry it was art. I preferred that book.
October 5, 2025
This book is about poetry for children. The poems are written by the pets of historically famous poets.
The approach is clever and light enough to initiate children to poetry and history.
The poems are short and cute as are the illustrations. It may be a good starting point for children to discover poetry!
Thank you NetGalley and Gnome Road Publishing for the ARC of IF PETS WROTE POEMS, A Parody Collection.
The approach is clever and light enough to initiate children to poetry and history.
The poems are short and cute as are the illustrations. It may be a good starting point for children to discover poetry!
Thank you NetGalley and Gnome Road Publishing for the ARC of IF PETS WROTE POEMS, A Parody Collection.
October 8, 2025
What a great way to introduce poetry to children! Pets have written a parody in the same style of famous historical poets. Some of them are so cute and funny. Some poets we see are Emily Dickinson, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Edgar Allan Poe, and many more. Love the idea of this and could see teachers using this in the classroom.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
October 21, 2025
IF PETS WROTE POEMS is a clever collection of parody poems written by the pets of famous poets. Readers are introduced to a variety of styles of poetry and different literary figures throughout history. The illustrations are playful, and the poems are well-crafted and creative! Kids will be inspired to learn more about poets and try their own hand at writing poetry. A perfect pick for classroom use as well as home bookshelves!
Review of advance copy
This is a brilliantly written book that's both fascinating to read aloud and also intriguing to learn little tidbits through the imagined eyes of famous writers' pets. It's the kind of book that you want to read and read again. The writing was beautiful and clever, and I loved that kids can have fun reading these poems and then learning about each pet's famous owners. Such a great idea and wonderfully done!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I think that while this book was well thought out and executed, it's not meant for children ages 3-8 as it recommends. I agree it would be best received in an educational setting, but for a much older age group, which might find the book silly. However, I was shocked that Edgar Allan Poe
had a page in a children's picture book. And that it suggested children study up and read his work! Last time I checked, he didn't write about bunnies and cotton candy.
had a page in a children's picture book. And that it suggested children study up and read his work! Last time I checked, he didn't write about bunnies and cotton candy.
Review of advance copy
I loved this collection of poems “written” by the pets of historical figures. My favorite is the poem by Edgar Allen Poe’s cat explaining what happened to his raven. (Alas!) The poems are written in the literary style of the famous pet owners, and use different rhyme schemes and forms. This is a great book for teaching kids about the different types of poetry. The whimsical illustrations by Sandi Sonke add to the fun.
October 19, 2025
I was interested in this book for my Two-Year-old. It was not appropriate for her and did not hold her interest. It had way too many words. Some of the story was in such a small font I had a hard time reading it. I think this would be for 8 years old and up.
I received this galley from NetGalley.
I received this galley from NetGalley.
November 9, 2025
I quite enjoyed "If Pets Wrote Poems: A Parody Collection" by Susan Johnston Taylor. My favorite story from the entire book was written by Edgar Allan Poe's cat! From the lovable pets of Margaret Wise Brown and Dr. Seuss, this hilarious collection of poems will keep your kiddos giggling.
Thank you to NetGalley and Gnome Road Publishing for the advanced copy!
Thank you to NetGalley and Gnome Road Publishing for the advanced copy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is a collection of poems written from the perspective of a variety of pets. Each is rooted in a historical context, creating a unique learning opportunity for children. There are a variety of poetic styles that add interest. If Pets Wrote Poems would be a perfect tool for educators teaching a unit on poetry.
April 15, 2026
Fun, fresh, and incredibly clever! If Pets Wrote Poems is a fantastic introduction to the world’s greatest poets through the eyes of their pets. Between the fascinating historical snippets and the top-tier parody poems, this book is a joy to read aloud. A perfect blend of humor and heart for readers of all ages!
April 17, 2026
This book is sheer brilliance. Poetry from a pets perspective? Fun. Poetry from the pets of famous people? Amazing.
This poetry book will wow you with it's perfect poetry, it's fun language, and it's playfulness--all while sharing important information about fascinating authors/poets. Be sure to grab a copy for your classrooms and libraries, but certainly grab a copy for yourself!
This poetry book will wow you with it's perfect poetry, it's fun language, and it's playfulness--all while sharing important information about fascinating authors/poets. Be sure to grab a copy for your classrooms and libraries, but certainly grab a copy for yourself!
April 18, 2026
Cute poems written "BY" the pets of famous poets/people in the style of one of their owner's poems. Teachers can find the original inspiration poems online for an educational lesson and a springboard into a fun activity of mimicking a famous poem's style.
I also enjoyed the brief bios of each person providing further connections between the poet, the poem, and the pet.
I also enjoyed the brief bios of each person providing further connections between the poet, the poem, and the pet.
April 21, 2026
What a clever concept-pets of famous poets writing poems in their owners’ style! In one swoop, I got a dose of history, poetry and parody. My favorite poem? The one by Edgar Allen Poe’s cat – with an expected unexpected twist at the end! This collection is also a fabulous invitation to read the original works of the featured poets and learn more about their contributions to literature.
April 29, 2026
Such a fresh and delightful book! Susan Johnston Taylor's collection is as written from the point of view of pets of famous poets. Each one is so creative and engaging. What I love most about this book is the layers it offers readers of all ages. Sandy Sonke's illustrations are equally delightful. This book combines history and poetry in a unique way. Brilliantly done! Bravo!
October 27, 2025
IF PETS WROTE POEMS is a hilarious and clever collection of parody poems as written by the pets of historical and literary figures. It’s interesting, brilliantly written, and beautifully illustrated! Perfect for any young poet or animal lover!
November 4, 2025
I absolutely adore this book. It is amazing how the author can write a parody of famous poems from the pets' angle. "The Raven" got me laughing out loud. It comes complete with a short fact file on each of the featured poets. The illustration is on point too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews