Early Chapter Book for Kids Who Love Animals

I am always on the hunt for great early chapter books.  This is a pivotal time in your child's reading. This is when they can fall in love with stories. I was especially excited that the book I am profiling today was written by a Newbery Honor winner.  There can never be enough well written early chapter books out there, so it is fabulous to see quality writers enter this category.

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Title:Shelter Pet Squad: Jelly Bean

Author:Cynthia Lord

Target: Grade 1-3

Series: This is the first book in a planned series

What this book is about: 

Suzannah loves animals but they are not allowed in her apartment.  As a compromise, her mother signs her up to help out at the animal shelter once a week.  There she gets to make treats for the dogs and play with the cats.  One day during her shift a girl comes in with a guinea pig she must give up.  Suzannah promises her she will find her pet a new home, but guinea pigs are not flying off the shelves at the shelter.  So Suzannah and her pet squad friends will have to get creative.

Why I love this book:

This book is written by a Newbery Honor winner, so it was nice to see her doing something for the early chapter book crowd.  So often these books are written too simply or formulaically that it is nice to see early chapter books that break out of the mold.

What I loved most about the book is that it is a realistic, but optimistic look at animals in shelters.  It is not always easy for rescue pets, but the book shows how volunteers can bring sunshine into their day, that the right fit between pet and owner is so important and that every pet needs a forever home.  

Who this book is for: 

Great book for kids who love animals.  Type is large and pictures are scattered throughout, although not on every page.

Final thoughts: 

Kids shouldn't miss the photo of the author’s guinea pig Cookie in the back of the book!  Serious cuteness.  Please don’t blame me if they want one.

To purchase this book:

Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Shelter Pet Squad #1: Jelly Bean  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog at no cost to you.  Thank you for your support.