Pet Parade

The Kids of the Polk Street School Specials #8

by Patricia Reilly Giff

Richard "Beast" Best thinks that Pet Week will be a disaster.  How can he bring his dog Kissie Poo to school?  She's a great dog, but she's fat and has only three teeth left.  His friends will laugh their heads off.  

Beast isn't the only one worried about what to bring.  Everyone is trying to find the best pet.  Matthew doesn't think his cat Barney is going to be good enough.  Jill and Dawn are outside digging for something.  Beast has got to think of something fast!  

Luckily Pet Week has all kinds of surprises for Beast and Matthew and all of Ms. Rooney's class.  And, at the end, the Polk Street kids tell how to care for their favorite pets.

112 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Patricia Reilly Giff was an American author and educator whose warm, emotionally resonant books made her a beloved figure in children's literature. After spending roughly two decades as a teacher, she turned to writing and brought a deep understanding of young readers to stories that balanced humor, resilience, and emotional truth. Educated at Marymount Manhattan College, St. John's University, and Hofstra University, she drew on both her classroom experience and literary instincts to create memorable fiction for children and middle-grade readers. She became especially well known for the popular Polk Street School series, which captured the everyday dramas of school life with charm and empathy. Beyond those books, she wrote acclaimed novels such as Lily's Crossing, Nory Ryan's Song, Pictures of Hollis Woods, Eleven, and Genevieve's War, often exploring themes of belonging, family, hardship, and courage. Her work earned wide recognition, including Newbery Honors, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults designation, and a Christopher Award. Giff also influenced younger writers through her workshops and teaching spirit. Throughout her career, she remained a compassionate literary voice whose stories spoke directly to children's fears, hopes, and imaginations.

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is good for young children and it’s funny and has lots of fun things in it