Children and families contemplating a pet, as well as those who enjoy learning about different kinds of pets and their care, are the audience for this lively look at shelter animals. An explanation of why shelters exist opens the book—usually, says Shaw, “people problems,” but she doesn’t get too specific about what that means. The main body then offers spreads describing owning a particular kind of pet on one page and the rhyming “backstory” of a fictional animal of that kind opposite. The entry on dogs, for example, says that older dogs make great pets and introduces Nana: “Silvery muzzle, heart of gold. / Young at heart, very old.” Pleasing spot art and larger images of creatures with their human companions add to the straightforward, informative introductions. Children will appreciate the advice on lobbying for a pet; they will also find websites for their families to find out more (out of eight websites, two are from the same organization, PETA). An enjoyable work that will be handy in libraries that serve young families.

This primer on the importance of rescuing animals begins by listing some of the reasons animals end up in shelters, including natural disasters, medical issues, and abuse. While these are sad facts, the book’s tone is positive. The text describes the many wonderful ways animal shelters connect pets with caring families. Shaw tackles a variety of pet species, from the conventional dogs and cats to the more unusual skunks and pigs. Each spread contains a thematic, kid-friendly poem on one side with informational content on the other side. The cute illustrations are paired with a jaunty font and show endearing close-ups of various pets with their loving two-legged companions. Back matter includes background on the history of the Association of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, things to consider before adopting an animal, other ways to help animals, and additional resources. VERDICT A “paw-some” introduction to pet adoption.

Children and families contemplating a pet, as well as those who enjoy learning about different kinds of pets and their care, are the audience for this lively look at shelter animals. An explanation of why shelters exist opens the book—usually, says Shaw, “people problems,” but she doesn’t get too specific about what that means. The main body then offers spreads describing owning a particular kind of pet on one page and the rhyming “backstory” of a fictional animal of that kind opposite. The entry on dogs, for example, says that older dogs make great pets and introduces Nana: “Silvery muzzle, heart of gold. / Young at heart, very old.” Pleasing spot art and larger images of creatures with their human companions add to the straightforward, informative introductions. Children will appreciate the advice on lobbying for a pet; they will also find websites for their families to find out more (out of eight websites, two are from the same organization, PETA). An enjoyable work that will be handy in libraries that serve young families.