One Sentence Summary
Dr. Seuss takes readers on a zany journey of decision-making as two siblings try to choose the perfect pet in his classic picture book, “What Pet Should I Get?”
Book Genre
Children’s picture book
Main Topic of the Book
The topic of the book is the difficult decision of choosing the perfect pet.
Key Ideas
- Making decisions – The book encourages readers to make thoughtful decisions by weighing out the pros and cons of each option.
- Self-expression – The Seussian world allows readers to explore their own creativity when it comes to picking a pet.
- Adventure – From the pet store to the beach and the forest, the two siblings go on a wild and unpredictable adventure.
Main Parts of the Book and a Short Summary
The book follows two siblings as they journey to a pet store to purchase a pet, exploring different animals and the idea of having a companion. They eventually settle on a pet they both agree on, taking it home with them on a wild and unpredictable adventure that involves the beach, the forest, and the city. Throughout the story, they learn about different animals and the implications of having a pet. They come to the conclusion that they have to make a decision on their own about what pet to get.
Key Takeaways
- Making a decision can be difficult at times.
- It is important to consider the pros and cons of each option.
- It is up to the individual to decide what is the right path to take, even when there are differing points of view amongst family members.
Author’s Background and Qualifications
Dr. Seuss was an American writer, animator, and poet best known for his hilarious picture books. Born in 1904 and raised in the Massachusetts town of Springfield, Seuss developed a love for writing at an early age. He studied at Dartmouth College and then at Oxford University, where he wrote his first children’s book, “And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street.” Seuss went on to write more than 60 books, including some of the most popular children’s books of all time, such as “The Cat in the Hat,” “Green Eggs and Ham,” and “What Pet Should I Get?”
Target Audience
“What Pet Should I Get?” is designed for children ages five and up.
Publisher and First Publication Date
The book was first published by Random House in the United States in 1990.