It is her brother.
His name is Milo.
She puts Milo in a box with
some water.
Prudence washes her new pet."
All she really wants is a new pet. Her parents refuse, giving all the excuses that parents with persistent, pet-loving children can garner. It is left to Prudence to use her determination to find a pet that will suit her.
She starts with a branch; it has merits. It doesn't mind the walk to school and back. It eats little. It doesn't even seem to need water. The real benefit? It is an outdoor pet and 'lives on the front porch.'
It does cause a problem for Dad. And, it is soon gone!
Learning a lesson from that, Prudence next chooses a twig, appropriately named Twig. Can't tell you what happens, or you won't need to get this book for your house or classroom. Following Twig, she notices an old shoe. Names it Formal Footwear and walks it around the block. You can see it, right??
Easy to train, Formal Footwear entertains for a while but gives nothing back to Prudence in terms of love or good company.
Not yet willing to give up, she makes Milo her next pet. Feeding and watering him is easy; but, it appears as if he doesn't like or thrive on seeds and grass. Finally, she convinces her parents to try sea buddies, after noticing a newspaper ad touting their many attributes. Waiting is endless, and the results cause despair:
"Prudence goes to live in her closet
for the rest of the day.
She was hoping the sea buddies would
have faces. Or move."
Poor Prudence! I love that she is patient and determined without having a screaming fit or trying to make her parents feel guilty for refusing her continued pleas. However, she never gives up the dream of being a reliable, knowledgeable, caring pet owner. She just keeps on keeping on...until her birthday.
Stephen Michael King shows his love for Prudence in his black line drawings with touches of watercolor where they are needed. He makes her spunky, yet content with ever-changing eyes that show exactly how she is feeling through the long wait for a pet. He keeps her as the focus, never showing her parents (well, their legs at varying times of day). She is a pretty special young woman and he helps us see that on every page.
I won't spoil the ending...not sure I could do that anyway. I will tell you that it will be my go-to readaloud in upcoming days, and I can't wait to share it. In fact, I just read much of it to Erin during out daily cross-country phone call. Who's next?
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