Pet Disasters

Mason Dixon #1

by Claudia Mills, Guy Francis (Illustrator)

Soon-to-be fourth-grader Mason Dixon does not want a pet, but his parents think it will be good for him. Goldfish dies soon after his arrival (from overfeeding). Mason is relieved. Hamster escapes. Mason is relieved. Cat has to go back because best friend Brody is too allergic to ever be at their house while Cat is there. Mason is relieved. But when Dog comes, it takes a little dose of jealousy for Mason to realize he does want a pet, all of his very own. Claudia Mills introduces a new, hilarious character in Mason, and each of the three books about him will feature both boys as they cope with a new experience; pitch-perfect for 8- to 10- year-old newly independent readers, the books will maintain a consistent page count and feature black-and-while art throughout.

Genres: Childrens, Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Animals, Picture Books, Dogs, Contemporary

176 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Claudia Mills is the author of Nixie Ness, Cooking Star, 7 x 9 = Trouble!, Zero Tolerance, Write This Down, and many other books for children. She was born in New York City in 1954. She received her bachelor's degree from Wellesley College, her master's degree from Princeton University, and a Ph.D. in philosophy from Princeton University. She also received an M.L.S. degree from the University of Maryland, with a concentration in children's literature. She had a second career as a professor of philosophy at the Colorado at Boulder, until leaving that career in 2014 to write full time. She now teaches in the graduate program in children's literature at Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia. All of her books have been written between 5 and 7 in the morning while drinking Swiss Miss hot chocolate.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/claudi...

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 1 out of 5]

Mason Dixon: Pet Disasters by Claudia Mills is the story of Mason, a boy who is definitely not a pet-person, getting four different pets within a short amount of time (and failing with almost every single one of them) because his parents believe it would be good for him to have some responsibility.

The pet journey starts with a goldfish, moves to a hamster, evolves into a cat, and eventually ends with a dog. All four pets bring their own special challenges! As you read the story, you discover how and why Mason fails with each pet, therefore putting “disasters” into the title of the book.

I personally did not like this book. It moved so slowly, never really climaxed, was repetitive, used characters’ names frequently rather than substituting with pronouns, and had a very simple plot line. The overall emotional competency was low until basically the end of the book where physical aggression (dog attack) was introduced. It was also leveled too high in my opinion; I would say it is more of a 3.5 rather than a 4.9.

[Nancy Kotkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Children's chapter book series featuring a glass-half-empty narrator who is reluctant to try new things and his enthusiastic best friend who embraces life and everything in it. The friendship between the two boys is solid and endearing. Their contrasting personalities create natural opportunities for interpersonal growth and insights about life.

In this first series installment, Mason insists that he is "not a pet person." A series of pet mishaps confirms this assertion. But Mason's feelings begin to shift when his best friend Brody begs him to keep an adopted dog at his house due to Brody's father's allergies.

[Chloe (Always Booked) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fine! This is about a guy named Mason and his best friend, Brody. Brody wants pets but can't have them because his dad has allergies, so Mason (a self proclaimed not pet person) has pets that Brody thinks of as his own. When they have a dog and it gets hurt, Mason gets protective and defensive, but the boys work it out. There is also the character of Nora (a sweet girl who enters their friend group) and Dunk (the class bully) introduced. Overall this was fine but not good enough to make me want to read the next in the series.

[Allie Outhouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations that match a very relatable story about an extreme introvert in need of a friend. The reactions described were perfectly accurate observations of children's responses to different situations.
I've been Mason, Brody and even Dunk at different times in my life.

[Checkthebook · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good choice for 3rd graders. The character, Mason, has a very narrow comfort zone. He will only eat certain food and wear certain clothes. There are three in this series. Author Mills has done a lot of nice things. The two "math trouble" books are great. c.2011

[Wina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book one in a trilogy for elementary. Reasonable short, some illustrations, likeable characters with humor. I loved having a character I could really identify with--someone who didn't really like pets!!

[Trevor Longhofer · Rating 3 out of 5]

For an elementary level assignment... Twas not bad.

[Library Lady Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is good to change things up every once in a while but it is also good to know what works for you.

[Kristi Hudecek-Ashwill · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't usually come down on YA books because I don't want to ever dissuade anybody from reading, especially a young person but this book really didn't turn my crank. I found Mason to be careless, selfish and totally irresponsible and nobody was doing anything to fix that. He'd have these pets get away from him (or die) and his parents would just go get him another one. Uh, not in this world, Kimosabee. He had no sort of connection to any of these pets until he got Dog and then the only reason he decided Dog was okay was because Brody loved Dog and he couldn't have Dog liking Brody more than him.

The whole story was a little unnerving but only because Mason was such an ingrate...everything for him. Brody was a really good kid and Nora was as sweet as could be but that Mason...ugh!

On a more positive note, the story did have a really good ending.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

9-year-old Mason's parents believe he should have a pet. They are clueless to the fact that Mason is not interested. His best friend Brody, on the other, is thrilled with each new pet and dismayed by their death or disappearance or his allergy. When Mason's parents and Brody conspire to adopt a dog, Mason is still dismayed at having to get a pet. Brody claims the dog as his, but Mason gradually comes to love the dog and consider it his dog. This story was fairly realistic although I don't understand how Mason's parents could be so unaware of Mason's feelings towards having a pet, particularly when they know how set he is about other things. I did like how Mason comes to accept and then love the dog. I would recommend for 3rd-4th graders who like animals and stories about friends.

[Karen Arendt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mason did not want a pet, any pet, and so he does get attached to his pets, naming the goldfish Goldfish, the cat, Cat, the hamster, Hamster. But, when his best friend Brody wants to get a dog, but can't because his father is allergic, and Mason's parents get the dog for Brody and Mason to share, Mason begins to change his mind about having a pet, with some disastrous results to his friendship with Brody. The story truly shows a child's emotions and feelings, such as being happy that Dog wags his tail harder when he sees Mason vs Brody, or does he. Very enjoyable and perfect for animal lovers.

[Christiane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mason is really, really not a pet person but his parents won't give up, even after the unfortunate demise of Goldfish, and the brief, unfortunate stays of Hamster and Cat. Dog, however, may end up breaking the curse, especially when Mason begins to worry that Dog may like his best friend, Brody, more than him. This is a great book for early (2nd – 3rd grade) readers; it is well-written and funny, especially Mason observations on life, and has nice black and white illustrations throughout. There is also a situation with a bully handled in a very realistic way.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great kids book. Supposed to be good for emergent readers, third grade reading level, but I'm thinking late third grade possibly. My daughter loved it. Early on you think it's just going to be another silly kids book but it tackled to topics like friendship, responsibility, and changing emotions. I highly recommend parents read with their kiddos as it makes for some great conversation starters.

[Ingrid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mason is kind of a curmudgeon. He likes things neat and orderly and wears only brown socks. He is also not a pet person or so he thinks. His parents get him various pets and things don't work out until they get him a dog. Slowly, but surely this dog worms his way into Mason's heart. Mason's best friend is also a great character. He is the total opposite of Mason. I enjoyed this book that was quite funny in spots.

[Olivia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book last year after I picked it up from the local library and I have to tell you that I was not impressed. I was in the eighth grade when I read this book, which was really not a good idea. I like reading younger kid books, because my mom tells me to read what I want to read. But, this book was just dumb. I'm pretty sure it's a series but my library only had this one. Maybe an elementary school kid would enjoy this book.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I didn't like: I didn't like Mason's parents being so clueless as to keep getting their child pets when it was clear he didn't like them and wasn't taking care of them. (When one dies and another runs away, wouldn't you think it's time to stop?!)

What I did like: Mason's friend Brody. Dog. Mason learning to love Dog. Guy Francis' fabulous illustrations.

[Juli · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens if your parents think you need a pet because you are an only child, but a pet is the last thing you want? Mason Dixon is not happy when first he gets a pet goldfish, then a pet hamster, then a pt cat and finally a pet dog. As much as Mason Dixon doesn't care about having a pet, his best friend Brody loves the idea. Will Billy change his mind about having a pet?

[Joanne Zienty · Rating 1 out of 5]

A protagonist that I wouldn't care to spend time with, a predictable plot, stereotypical characters all made for a slog, though the book barely tops 120 pages. And it looks like its going to become a series! Maybe my young readers will enjoy it, but I can't see why they would.

[Beth Kakuma-Depew · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the contrast between Mason, who's reserved and cautious, and his neighbor, Brody, who's out-going and active. Fun story of boys, animals and bullies.

[Laela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny! Great read alike for Alvin Ho. 3rd-4th grade boy.

[Kate Hastings]

RL 780

[Eliya Denali · Rating 5 out of 5]

AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Melanie Swider Wenz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny series for reluctant readers - got one of my students hooked on the series this year.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't a fan of this and Dylan thought it was okay. The main character was very hard to like.

[Nigel R · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not like.

[Carterkempgmail.Com · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this pet story, with a snarky main character. This would make a terrific paring with jenning's Guinea Dog.

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Usually it's the reverse, parents say no to kids constant begging for a pet

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grades 2-3 Easy first chapter book good for animal fans.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is MIchaels daughter . It made us laugh SO hard!!!!!!!!!

[Anneka · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little mushy at the end but still good.