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Invent-a-Pet
Bunnies, pandas, and monkeys, oh my! For fans of Ada Twist, Scientist, this picture book about finding your perfect pet introduces basic STEAM and coding concepts—and some ridiculously adorable animals!
Katie is an ordinary girl who longs for an extraordinary pet—something more spectacular than a simple goldfish. Then one day Katie comes home to find a gift from her mother: a mysterious machine designed to help her create that one-of-a-kind creature. Each time she feeds different items into the machine, out comes a marvelously colorful new animal—like a purple monkey, rainbow-spotted horse, and green bunny! But none of them is just right. Through trial and error, Katie figures out the formula for her absolutely perfect SURPRISE pet.
Katie is an ordinary girl who longs for an extraordinary pet—something more spectacular than a simple goldfish. Then one day Katie comes home to find a gift from her mother: a mysterious machine designed to help her create that one-of-a-kind creature. Each time she feeds different items into the machine, out comes a marvelously colorful new animal—like a purple monkey, rainbow-spotted horse, and green bunny! But none of them is just right. Through trial and error, Katie figures out the formula for her absolutely perfect SURPRISE pet.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published May 5, 2020
1 person is currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
Vicky Fang
24 books44 followersVicky Fang is the author of the Layla and the Bots chapter books series, the Best Buddies early reader series, the I Can Code board book series, and the picture book Invent-a-Pet. She is the author-illustrator of Friendbots, AlphaBot, and the forthcoming Ava Lin and One Mad Cat series. A former Google product designer, she now writes and illustrates children’s books full-time. Vicky Fang lives in California. You can learn more at vickyfang.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
August 12, 2020
Katie is an ordinary girl who wants an extraordinary pet.
How happy she is to discover her mother has brought home a machine to help her in this quest.
But how does the machine work? Katie inputs various objects to try to figure out the pattern. And she does. And then she creates the perfect extraordinary pet for her...a goldfish.
This book will get your brain clicking as the reader thinks alongside Katie to figure out the patterns in the machine inputs.
How happy she is to discover her mother has brought home a machine to help her in this quest.
But how does the machine work? Katie inputs various objects to try to figure out the pattern. And she does. And then she creates the perfect extraordinary pet for her...a goldfish.
This book will get your brain clicking as the reader thinks alongside Katie to figure out the patterns in the machine inputs.
June 13, 2020
INVENT-A-PET is a fun, experimental, and curiosity driven story. The story jump starts when a girl who wants to have a perfect pet gets a special machine. At first, she experiences mishaps of all kinds until she figures out the logical correlation between size, color, and the third element. This third element is crucial for Katie to create the most extraordinary and perfect pet of her dreams. Young readers with inquisitive minds will find this story entertaining, like solving a puzzle. This book is also a perfect addition to any STEM collection.
September 7, 2021
Such a delightful book. My mathematician husband, who doesn't really have an opinion about picture books, LOVED this one.
May 22, 2020
I adored this smart, cute STEM-themed story! Katie wants the perfect pet, but none of the ones she can find will do. When a mysterious "Invent-a-Pet" machine arrives at her house, Katie finds she can "input" three different things that will result in a fun pet "output." But the pets that emerge aren't what Katie expected, and she needs to crack the code to get the pet that she wants most of all. This book teaches kids the basics of coding and logic in a delightful way. They will have even more fun inventing their own pets!
March 14, 2024
Is it extraordinary? Katie wants a pet that is unique: something extraordinary. When they can’t find something at a pet store, her mother brings her a pet-making machine so Katie can make her own pet. The only problem is, Katie has to figure out how the machine works. There are three (3) input slots but what do they mean? Katie tries all kinds of combinations to figure out what they mean as she creates all different kinds of pets. Finally, Katie begins to understand what each of the different input slots mean and she can then put in the right item to get the correct pet that she wants. What Katie ends up getting will put a smile on your face after you see everything that she has created.
Our grandson liked this book, he kept reaching for it when we’d read together. He’s 4 years old and I had to explain some of the book to him as I think some of the concepts were difficult for him to understand at first. Katie does the trial-and-error concept as she tries to figure out the different input slots so that part of the book gets a bit confusing as she tests each slot. After a few readings, he understood it and would point to the different input slots on the pages as I was reading it as each animal would come out a bit different. When an incident occurs at Katie’s house, we had to investigate that on our own as the book doesn’t mention what happened and I liked that as we flipped through the book to see what had changed on the pages to cause the incident to occur. It’s a cute book and the illustrations are busy, but they do tell the story. My grandson loved the book 5 stars from him and 4 stars from me - 4.5 stars
Our grandson liked this book, he kept reaching for it when we’d read together. He’s 4 years old and I had to explain some of the book to him as I think some of the concepts were difficult for him to understand at first. Katie does the trial-and-error concept as she tries to figure out the different input slots so that part of the book gets a bit confusing as she tests each slot. After a few readings, he understood it and would point to the different input slots on the pages as I was reading it as each animal would come out a bit different. When an incident occurs at Katie’s house, we had to investigate that on our own as the book doesn’t mention what happened and I liked that as we flipped through the book to see what had changed on the pages to cause the incident to occur. It’s a cute book and the illustrations are busy, but they do tell the story. My grandson loved the book 5 stars from him and 4 stars from me - 4.5 stars
April 24, 2020
“Invent-A-Pet” shows how gratifying problem solving can be. Katie wants a pet and finds a mysterious machine that pumps out a creature whose characteristics depend on items she puts in its three shoots. It takes toying with the machine and getting messy before she figures out how the machine works, then finally she gets her simple elegant result. This is a fun book for introducing a STEM/STEAM mindset to children before or during teaching them about coding. The illustrations are colorful, fun and sleek. Children will be inspired to think of their own pet and what things they would have to put in Katie’s machine to create it. Or perhaps readers will want to design their own machine with new rules. The possibilities that this book generates are endless!
May 23, 2020
A fun, creative debut picture book by Vicky Fang introduces young readers to the ideas of ‘inputs’ and ‘outputs’ and deductive reasoning – all centered around Katie’s persistent yearning for the perfect pet. What if she changes the color input? How about the pattern input? What is the result? The creative experimentation and many attempts to determine the formula is a delightful discovery and an encouragement to keep trying and problem-solving. Creative Katie has the perfect solution for dealing with all the creatures she has invented along the way AND she produces, very logically, her perfect pet! The lively illustrations by Tidawan Thaipinnarong are perfect for this heart-warming and delightful story.
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May 24, 2020This is such a fun way to introduce problem-solving, pattern recognition, and coding concepts! What child hasn't longed for a unique pet all their own? When Katie encounters the Invent-a-Pet machine, the invention does NOT produce the results she is hoping for (no spoilers, but the first invented creature is my favorite). Katie stays the course, though, and through her persistence and problem-solving skills, she's able to decode why each pet looks the way it does. With a sweet, satisfying ending, this book is sure to be a hit with young readers. I also loved the bright, fun illustrations by Tidawan Thaipinnarong--- especially the endpapers! Recommended for classroom use, but also just for fun. Especially if you have technically or mathematically minded kids like I do.
June 26, 2020
INVENT-A-PET is one of my favorite recent picture book releases! This is the adorable story of a persistent problem-solver, Katie, who explores a mysterious machine that creates unusual pets. Depending on the three items put into the machine, a different pet comes out. But what is the pattern? Katie comes up with a series of tests to figure it out, and along the way discovers that the perfect pet for her might not be so unusual after all. This is a fantastic STEM-focused book with a female main character about perseverance, problem-solving, and finding the extraordinary in the ordinary. Kids will love the colorful illustrations and enjoy imagining the cool pets they could invent with the Invent-a-Pet machine. A super-fun read!
November 19, 2020
There are two mysteries to solve in this fun STEAM book, one logical and one artistic—how does the Invent-a-pet machine work, and what is the best unique pet for you? The patterns invite problem-solving and the fantastical pets invite creativity. As an art teacher, I especially love imagining kids drawing and inventing their own unique pets after sharing this book in a classroom setting. And any kid prone to tinkering will fall in love with the invent-a-pet machine. Plus, the book comes full circle in finding extraordinary in the ordinary as the main character Katie chooses a pet that is both completely special and completely common at the same time. Lots of layers of fun and invitations for classroom discussions in this book!
April 14, 2021
Summary: This is a book about a young girl who wants an extraordinary pet. She doesn't want the usual pets, like a goldfish. Her mo helps her by showing her a machine to invent a pet! Katie starts using the machine and it gets a bit out of hand.. she has unusual animals everywhere in her house! Once she settles that problem, she knows what extraordinary pet she wants.
Analysis: This book is so cute! The concept is really fun and would be great in a classroom.
How I would use this book: I would use this book many ways. It would be good to work on the students prediction skills with. They could guess what animal Katie was creating. I could also have an activity where they invent a pet themselves and they could share in front of the class if they wanted to.
Analysis: This book is so cute! The concept is really fun and would be great in a classroom.
How I would use this book: I would use this book many ways. It would be good to work on the students prediction skills with. They could guess what animal Katie was creating. I could also have an activity where they invent a pet themselves and they could share in front of the class if they wanted to.
June 22, 2020
I couldn't have started my day out with a more perfect book as I prepare to teach my Cute and Crazy Creatures drawing class with my students. "Invent-A-Pet" is all about a little girl's dream to create the most perfect adorable creature as her pet. A magical machine appears in her home and she discovers that by adding items to the machine, they combine to create a new creature. But when she puts varying items in the machine, her results are not what she expects at all. This book focuses on problem solving and using #STEAM elements to get to the solution. A really fun picture book for kids who love animals and would enjoy the idea of being able to make their own perfect pet.
December 22, 2020
Thank you to the author for sharing a copy with #Collabookation. Who doesn't want the perfect pet as a child? Katie didn't want just an ordinary pet, she wants one that is spectacular and unique. To her surprise, a magical machine shows up at her house, looking similar to a slot machine. Katie begins inserting item after item into the slot machines, only to be confused by the mysterious animal that comes out. Can she find the perfect recipe to make the perfect pet for her? You will have to read it to find out. This is such a fun story and the illustrations add so much to the fun! Definitely ordering a copy for my classroom. Availabile today!
June 2, 2021
A girl wants a unique pet. Her mother leaves her a machine into which she puts random objects and out pops a strange animal. She comes up with some unique pets, but not one she wants. So, through trial and error, she figures out how she's getting the results she's getting in order to design the perfect pet.
The logic is ridiculous. Where did the mother get the machine? Why would she not leave instructions? BUT ... the girl using the scientific method is good, and that's the bulk of the story. And she takes responsibility for the animals she created which she doesn't want, setting up an adoption event, rather than just forgetting about them.
The logic is ridiculous. Where did the mother get the machine? Why would she not leave instructions? BUT ... the girl using the scientific method is good, and that's the bulk of the story. And she takes responsibility for the animals she created which she doesn't want, setting up an adoption event, rather than just forgetting about them.
June 6, 2020
A machine that pops out pets? Yes, please!
Do you remember those old flip books that let you change the head, body and tail of an animal to “design” a new creation? This book invites readers to do that in a hi-tech way that introduces concepts of computer programming, and problem solving. The result is a fantastically fun book with a STEM twist.
Kids will marvel at the animals that spring out of the Invent-a-Pet machine and how fun for a classroom of students to consider their own input items in developing their own perfect pet output! What would you make?
Do you remember those old flip books that let you change the head, body and tail of an animal to “design” a new creation? This book invites readers to do that in a hi-tech way that introduces concepts of computer programming, and problem solving. The result is a fantastically fun book with a STEM twist.
Kids will marvel at the animals that spring out of the Invent-a-Pet machine and how fun for a classroom of students to consider their own input items in developing their own perfect pet output! What would you make?
June 9, 2020
You know what I love about Vicky Fang's books? The way they demonstrate problem-solving and critical thinking. When presented with an Invent-a-Pet machine, Katie must figure out --through trial and error -- what characteristics each of three inputs controls. And once she does, how will she solve the problem of so many pets? Can she solve the problem of finding the perfect pet of her own? This book is wonderful for helping kids develop thinking skills they'll need for coding, engineering, and inventing. A must-read STEM title.
February 16, 2021
Author Vicky Fang does a fabulous job of making coding and problem-solving FUN in this joyful STEM story! Katie is determined to find a unique pet to call her own. When a mysterious pet invention machine shows up in her living room, she is soon surrounded by wondrous but confusing animal creations. How will she uncover the secret workings of the pet inventing machine? Readers will be inspired as they follow Katie’s perseverance and use of scientific deduction to solve her way to the PERFECT pet.
September 1, 2021
Invent-a-pet is a clever story that weaves together STEAM ideas and problem-solving with a sweet narrative about finding the extraordinary in the ordinary.
When a little girl wants a unique pet, her mother gives her a special, mysterious machine to help. As she explores and tries to figure out what the parameters are, silly chaos ensues.
Fun and engaging way to introduce some engineering and computing ideas to kids, in a context that is both ordinary (pets!) and imaginative (rainbows!).
Loved it.
When a little girl wants a unique pet, her mother gives her a special, mysterious machine to help. As she explores and tries to figure out what the parameters are, silly chaos ensues.
Fun and engaging way to introduce some engineering and computing ideas to kids, in a context that is both ordinary (pets!) and imaginative (rainbows!).
Loved it.
September 3, 2023
This picture book about Katie's quest for a perfect pet...
Isn't just charming and clever, with adorable illustrations.
This book introduces kids to coding, and also to STEAM.
A favorite quote, after Katie attempts to design her new pet. In the illustration, she's holding her head in her hands and screaming. Then the text says:
But the animals were never what she expected.
"I just don't understand! These animals aren't at all like the items I picked."
But Katie becomes a superb problem solver.
FIVE STARS and HIGHEST PRAISE to this introduction to coding.
Isn't just charming and clever, with adorable illustrations.
This book introduces kids to coding, and also to STEAM.
A favorite quote, after Katie attempts to design her new pet. In the illustration, she's holding her head in her hands and screaming. Then the text says:
But the animals were never what she expected.
"I just don't understand! These animals aren't at all like the items I picked."
But Katie becomes a superb problem solver.
FIVE STARS and HIGHEST PRAISE to this introduction to coding.
February 25, 2025
I read this book aloud to the young children at school. The book is clear with bold illustrations, not so many words but also not so little words. The story itself was funny too. The students followed the story enthusiastically and answered the questions I occasionally asked. The story is about a little girl who wants to have extraordinary pets. It was relatable to the children, as they could share stories about their own pets. For those who didn’t have a pet, I asked them about their dream pet.”
August 8, 2025
Katie wants a pet, but not an ordinary pet. She wants something special. So one day her mom leaves her a machine designed to help her make the perfect pet - if only she could figure out what that is!
This is an interesting book in that you think it's just going to be a fun book about a girl making a mixed-up animal pet, but it actually incorporates some math concepts. There are tons of ways you could use this book in the classroom, from trial & error/guess & check, permutation (the number of ways things can go together), to figuring out variables.
This is an interesting book in that you think it's just going to be a fun book about a girl making a mixed-up animal pet, but it actually incorporates some math concepts. There are tons of ways you could use this book in the classroom, from trial & error/guess & check, permutation (the number of ways things can go together), to figuring out variables.
April 29, 2020
Young readers will love the spectacular pets that fill the pages of this delightful book. Parents will love the sneakily educational aspect of the story. Katie uses trial and error (three items go in—one spectacular pet comes out) to decipher the right formula for creating her perfect pet—but in the process she creates a glut of extraordinary pets. What should she do with them? And what is extraordinary, anyway—now that the town is full of extraordinary pets? Katie’s answers may surprise you!
May 22, 2020
What kind of pet would you invent....? Especially if you had a pet inventing machine! That simple question may not be as easy to answer as it seems. In this fun, light-hearted book, it will take agency, quick thinking and healthy serving of problem solving to face disaster and eventually invent the perfect pet... and it will have your readers thinking about inventing their own perfect pet, too! A great book that will be easy for kids and grown ups to pair with fun activities all around pets!
June 2, 2020
A fantastic debut by Vicky Fang complimented by bright, energetic (and very cute) illustrations by Tidawan Thaipinnarong. A fun and engaging story about a girl in search of the perfect pet who suddenly has the opportunity to create any pet she wants. Ample interactive opportunities for guessing and problem solving. A perfect spring board into other classroom and home projects from imagination and creativity to problem solving and STEM/code.
June 10, 2020
This is such a fun read aloud! I love the story of Katie who is trying to create the perfect pet. When she gets a mysterious machine that creates pets based on different types of inputs, she has to figure out the pattern and do some algorithmic thinking to determine the pet-making formula. My daughter loved this so much. It's a combination of adorable animals plus coding - total winner! Loved the beautiful illustrations as well.
December 15, 2020
Oh my goodness, this book. It's got so many layers — STEAM content, problem solving, invention, adorable pets, fanciful use of imagination. I want my own input-out-pet machine! Intrepid young thinkers will love this book in classrooms, in storytimes, or on a parent's lap. The twist ending is perfect, and a beautiful launchpad for getting young readers to think about what pet they might invent using the machine. To quote the book: "Perfectly extraordinary."
January 5, 2021
As a kid—and future designer—I enjoyed all the old House of Tomorrow cartoons on Saturday mornings. INVENT-A-PET reminds me of the wacky, playful tone that inspired my young imagination back then. While sneakily learning STEAM concepts, kids will have a blast reading this story, and wish they could invent-a-pet of their own! I imagine lots of hilarious drawings, and likely some tinkering, will ensue.
April 8, 2025
This is an imaginative and fun picture book that all readers are going to love. Katie, like so many people, want a pet to care for and want it to be the perfect pet for her. Katie's mom brings home a machine that creates pets based on three inputs and Katie has to figure out what each input contributes to the resulting creature. Readers are going to love helping her crack the code and then enjoy imagining what items they need to create their perfect pet.
April 24, 2020
Lively illustrations and a STEM-focused text make this book a winner. A wonderful story that subtly teaches kids the principles of coding and the importance of perseverance. Katie is an ordinary girl who wants an extraordinary pet. She must figure out the secrets to the invent-a-pet machine before her perfect pet will arrive.
April 26, 2020
What a clever fresh approach to deductive reasoning! Loads of kid appeal!!
The MC gets a machine that creates extraordinary pets. But first, she has to figure out what all the inputs are before she can create the perfect pet! Once kids figure out the formula they'll want to go back to the beginning and re-look at the MC's first few tries.
The MC gets a machine that creates extraordinary pets. But first, she has to figure out what all the inputs are before she can create the perfect pet! Once kids figure out the formula they'll want to go back to the beginning and re-look at the MC's first few tries.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews