Review by Booklist Review
Watson's bright, lively illustrations move us right into Keller's delightful story. A young child looks with wonder into a pet-shop window with unusual silhouettes tentacles and clouds of smoke all make good on the magical creatures that are promised. An Open sign on the cover's door leads to Miss Turie on the very first page; through a welcoming, encouraging rhyme, she promises to find just the right pet. She offers all kinds of choices: a baby dragon, a hydra, a phoenix, and more! None of the choices seem just right. Some are too frightening, others too pushy (especially in the bath). But, ultimately, our protagonist finds the perfect choice in a kitty cat . . . with some unexpected traits. The book's last pages provide information on the mythical animals offered, and the cat receives a full page. Watson's colorful illustrations over minimal backgrounds focus on the incredible creatures, and the cartoon style fits the whimsical text.--Edie Copyright 2018 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Miss Turie attempts to lure a boy into purchasing a magical pet.Miss Turie guarantees that she always finds a match for potential owners of her magical creatures. The beguiling pet shop boasts an assortment of mythological animals: a unicorn, a dragon, griffons, a kraken, a golem, a chimera, and more. After introducing this range of colorful potential pets to a child who rejects each one, Miss Turie seems out of options and at her wits' endand her customer shares her frustration. Nothing shocks Miss Turie more than when the brown boy with dark brown curly hair points to a sleeping creature. "It won't fetch or give you hugs or greet you at your welcome mat. Its claws and fangs are dagger sharp!" she warns. The boy's mythical creature of choice is a friendly and adorable, seemingly ordinary gray tabby cat. Before Miss Turie can mention a last caveat, the boy has happily purchased his new friendwhich leaves a trail of rainbows, sparkles, and stars behind them. Backmatter provides an illustrated glossary of enchanted beasts and their countries of origin, with the last page prominently dedicated to the cat. The cartoon artwork is colorful and blithe, with the fabled beings possessing as much personality as the eccentric, brown-skinned, big-hair-don't-care Miss Turie. This exploration of ancient mythical creatures as potential pets satisfies with its double twist ending. (Picture book. 3-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
