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Five Faves: Unusual Pet Picture Books

One of the funniest Christmas songs in my opinion is I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas. Who sees a hippo and thinks, I want that guy as a pet? Well, following this Christmas spirit, here are some other unusual pets in fun picture books that you might want to consider for your pet possibilities. 


How to Walk a Dump Truck

Written by Peter Pearson
Illustrated by Mircea Catusanu
Harper, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, 2019. Picture Book.

A dump truck can make a great pet if you know how to take care of it, so here is your guide to being a great pet owner of your very own dump truck! This book is humorous and delightful for children, following familiar tips for pet owners everywhere. 

Written by Vicky Fang
Illustrated by Tidawan Thaipinnarong
Sterling Children's Books, 2020. Picture Book. 

Katie wants a pet, but not just any pet. She won't settle for anything too ordinary. She needs something special. When she is given a machine that lets her invent her own pet, she must decide exactly what it is she wants. After, sorting through her first few crazy combinations of course! This book is bright and fun for pet lovers!

By Jessie Sima
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2019. Picture Book.

This wordless picture book plays out like a 3 part silent film where Spencer adventures with his pet balloon animal, saving him from danger and keeping him out of trouble. The whimsy in this book will leave you wanting more!

Written by Lisa Mantchev
Illustrated by Taeeun Yoo
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2015. Picture Book. 

When a boy and his pet elephant get banned from the pet club for being unusual, they find others and their unusual pets to form a club that welcomes all. This is a darling story about inclusion that is at the top of my favorites!

Written by Kate DePalma
Illustrated by Nelleke Verhoeff
Barefoot Books, 2020. Picture Book.

When her Uncle stops by and has Cora watch his bread pet, a sourdough starter, it keeps growing and growing until it becomes too much to manage and the family has to come up with a plan to keep it under control. 

Written by Paul Czajak
Illustrated by Cathy Gendron
Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, 2020. Picture Book. 

Abigail wants a pet for her birthday and after considering all the options, she decides that she wants a tree. Abigail explains why her pet tree Fido is the perfect pet. Open it up and see if you agree!

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