Beanie, a ginger-haired girl with a fierce heart, is the perfect pal for her newfound companion, Stretchy McHandsome the cat: both of them have orange hair and different colored eyes! But then Beanie gets it into her head that she should teach Stretchy how to be a perfect pet. But Stretchy doesn't like math or dance, he hates riding in a stroller, and he definitely does NOT want a harness.
Her lessons really curl his whiskers, and when hiding from Beanie isn't enough, he has to take an even bigger leap. Then it's Beanie who needs a lesson of her own: how to be an accepting friend rather than a bossy-boots. This rhyming story of friendship and power dynamics is a read-aloud joy.
"Stretchy, frightened by Beanie’s aggressive affection and enthusiasm, expresses anxiety like any real-life cat. 'He acted out, he climbed the drapes, / and made the carpet wet.' Art and verse alternate between playful silliness and showing the sincere worry of a little girl learning to be gentle with her pet.... Delightful reminder that having a pet differs from parenting 'a troop of teddy bears.'" — Kirkus Reviews
Recommended Age | 4 - 8 |
---|---|
Author | Judy Schachner |
Illustrator | Judy Schachner |
ISBN | 0593111613 |
Publication Date | Nov 2, 2021 |
Publisher | Dial Books |
Language | English |