The Trouble with Giraffes: Two Problems for Sophia by Jim Averbeck

Sophia has achieved her heart's desire--her giraffe Noodle for a pet. But Noodle has a long tongue and when he feels affectionate, he bends down and comes in for a big--SLURP!

He was especially fond of Grand-mama.

The feeling was not mutual.

"And besides, he snores," she says.

So Sophia has two problems, perdurable problems as Grand-mama puts it--slurping and snoring.

But Sophia is a scientist, so she conducts some research with a leader in the field of giraffe tongues.

"Noodles neck-to-lung capacity ration creates a giant echo chamber," said Ms. Canticle, an acoustical engineer.

In layman's language, his neck is too long. But Sophia knows that long necks are part of what makes a giraffe a giraffe. The professor suggests teaching Noodle to twist and change the shape of his neck, but the results are negative.

And now Father complains that Noodle is not worth the costs of his upkeep, which are perpetual.

Sophia has learned two new words but still has no solutions. Ms. Canticle suggests some sound baffles, so Sophia constructs noise-reduction ear gear prototypes for the whole family. But they can't wear them all the time. Uncle Conrad demands an abiding solution to the snoring problem.

So Sophia designs a sound transformer for Noodles' snores.

Can Sophia's science come up with an abiding, perpetual, and perdurable solution to the problem? Can Grand-mama come up with a way to muzzle Noodle's sloppy nuzzle?

It's science plus family feeling to the rescue in Jim Averbeck's Two Problems for Sophia (Margaret K. Elderderry Books, 2018). As in their first book, One Word from Sophia, Yasmeen Ismail's spotchy, blobby illustrations and Sophia's perseverance make for a funny and fun "Can-I-Keep-Him" pet tale with a penchant for science and vocabulary. As Bulletin for Children's Books starred review says, "A welcome addition to positive portrayals of young girl STEM enthusiasts.... This makes an outstanding readaloud."

Froggy's Big Scoop! Froggy Gets A Doggy by Jonathan London

You may think Froggy has done it all. He's played T-ball, and soccer, gone to Hawaii, to playdates, to school, to the doctor, and to bed.  He's gotten a new bike and a new baby sitter. But there is one typical rite of passage in childhood that Froggy hasn't experienced.

He's never had a PET!

But Froggy, Mom, and sister Polliwogilina are finally off the the animal shelter to  achieve that milestone, too.

"YIPPEE!"

Mom is leaning toward a white rabbit or some cute white mice. Or maybe even a baby alligator. But then Froggy sees a pitiful puppy, and one look at those big brown eyes, and even Mom falls in love with the cute little mutt. Polli agrees!

"DOG-GY!  DOG-GY!" SANG POLLIWOGILINA.

After an expensive stop at the pet store for bowl, water dish, dog bed, dog food, dog chews, leash and collar, Froggy and Polli are eager to take their pup outside for a walk and a romp.

Then Mom introduces Froggy to one item of dog care of which he was blissfully unaware!

"AND DON'T FORGET YOUR POOPER SCOOPER!"

In his latest addition to his popular Froggy series, Jonathan London's new Froggy Gets a Doggy (Viking Books, 2014) takes his gung-ho character through all the perils of puppy ownership, puddles, poop scooping, and the usual elements of dog training, and with the usual funny Froggy misadventures, as when the puppy retrieves Mom's pink undies instead of the stick Froggy tosses. As a stand-in for all kids with their first animal responsibilities, Froggy perseveres, and by bedtime, when his new puppy abandons his little bed for a cuddle in Froggy's, he gets the big reward of pet ownership--love and companionship! As Froggy says, (borrowing a line from Pete the Cat),

"IT'S ALL GOOD!"

Dino Love II: How Do Dinosaurs Love Their Dogs? by Jane Yolen

DOES HE OFTEN FORGET TO TAKE IT OUTSIDE?

DOES HE JUMP ON ITS BACK FOR A PIGGY-BACK RIDE?

Little chasmosauruses, like little humans, often forget that their furry friends have needs and feelings, too, and Jane Yolen's and Mark Teague's new board book for the youngest pet owners, How Do Dinosaurs Love Their Dogs? (Blue Sky Press, 2010) somehow uses their familiar format to establish rapport with both the aggrieved pooches and with the misbehaving youngsters by modelling better behavior right away and by showing the pleasure it brings to their pets.

HE LOVES HIS DEAR DOG AND DOES EVERY CHORE.

GOOD DINOSAUR!

It's a lucky pup who has a sympathetic stygionoloch, or an empathetic child, to love and care for him, and with this lovely little book in hand, any newbie dog owner should be well on his or her way to responsible pet care. A nice addition to this dino-mite series.

Dino Love: How Do Dinosaurs Love Their Cats? by Jane Yolen

IS THE LITTER BOX LEFT WHILE SHE WATCHES A SHOW?

DOES SHE GIVE IT A THROW?

Well, of course not! A stinky litter box can be a real CAT-astrophe, as any feline fan can aver. In their familiar style, author Jane Yolen and artist Mark Teague first give us humorous examples of what NOT to do with resident kitties in their new board book, How Do Dinosaurs Love Their Cats? (Blue Sky Press, 2010), and then show just how loving little dinos do it:

SHE REMEMBERS TO FEED IT AND GIVE IT FRESH WATER,

AND CHANGE THE LITTER BOX JUST WHEN SHE OUGHTER!

A loving little ouranosaurus, herrerasaurus, and parasauralophus show the naughty dinos just how to make their kitties purr with delight in this delightful entry in Yolen's and Teague's best-selling How do Dinosaurs series. Catchy text and clever illustrations make this little book a bargain buy for the youngest cat fanciers.