CHILDREN MAKE TERRIBLE PETS

Peter Brown turns the tables as he explores the possibility of a wild animal choosing a human for a pet. Lucille Beatrice Bear brings home Squeaker, a boisterous, seemingly unattached boy. Is it any surprise that all the same parental reasons for opposing the proposition of a pet apply in this situation as well? Emily Eiden alternates smoothly between the even-voiced narrator and the roles of the enthusiastic bear (“Can I keep him, PLEASE?”) and the doubting parent (“Squeaker is YOUR responsibility.”). Eiden speeds and slows, providing time for listeners to pore over the detailed illustrations. An interview with the author/illustrator, which expands upon his inspiration for the book, and a jaunty “terrible pets” song conclude the production. A.R. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2012]