Mr. Potter's Pet - Hardcover

In a short, simple chapter book, King-Smith (The School Mouse, 1995, etc.) tells the blissfully silly story of poor Mr. Potter who, after his parents are accidentally poisoned by a dinner of tinned crab on his 50th birthday, gets his first pet. Not knowing what he wants, he goes into a pet shop and comes out with a foul- tempered mynah. It turns out that the bird, who agrees to be called Everest, just wants a little freedom to fly outside his cage. The two become good friends as Everest takes charge of Mr. Potter's life. The mynah decides that Mr. Potter needs a housekeeper and contrives to find just the right lady. All are happy until Everest proposes to each of the humans on behalf of the other, and they accept. Suddenly, the two become lovebirds, and Everest feels left out. The solution to Everest's loneliness may not surprise everyone, but the tone is so lighthearted throughout the book, and the characters so charming, that no one will mind in the least. With Teague's humorous black-and-white illustrations, this is an endearing book from beginning to end, for classroom or family sharing. (Fiction. 7-10) -- Copyright ©1996, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Grade 2-4?In this easy chapter book, readers meet a highly intelligent pet mynah bird. Not only does Everest appear wiser and more outgoing than his shy, 50-year-old owner, but he definitely has a mind of his own. He encourages Mr. Potter to get a housekeeper, tells him how to conduct and conclude the interviews, and succeeds in playing matchmaker when the man hires a long-lost friend. Readers will enjoy the story as well as the many humorous incidents, and will laugh through their concern when the bird is knocked unconscious by a falling toilet lid. Cartoonlike pen-and-ink illustrations match the playful mood of the tale.?Blair Christolon, Prince William Library, Manassas, VA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.