Sparky! is an endearing “pet” story and one of my absolute favorite picture books.
When a young girl is told by her mom that she may only get a pet if it is low-maintenance, she ends up with… a sloth. While this sloth may not play many games or perform fancy tricks, the girl’s love and adoration for her pet never wavers.
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This book is darling! The illustrations fit the text perfectly. The young girl radiates innocence and love, and I’d like for her to be our next-door neighbor. (I would gladly attend any Trained Sloth Extravaganzas!) We aren’t told the girl’s name, but I think the name Jenny (the author’s name) is sweet as can be and matches this young girl so well. While my kids’ favorite part of the book is when the cookies are served after the Extravaganza, I am partial to the last line of the book, which leaves me in happy tears every. single. time.
Author and Illustrator
I immediately became a fan of Jenny Offill when I saw that the links to buy her book, included locating a local bookstore or a used-books site. She is author of many well-known adult books, such as Dept. of Speculation. I am looking forward to reading more of her work.
Chris Appelhans, the illustrator, has done the art for animated films like Coraline and Fantastic Mr. Fox. Interview with Chris Applehans
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