CRITTER SITTER

Henry gets much more than he bargained for—and, happily, so do readers—as he attempts to “creature control” a bevy of pets of assorted species: goldfish, boa, tree frog, cockatiel, cat and Slobberchops, the bloodhound. Naturally, as soon as the owners leave the premises, the expected bedlam ensues, as each animal gets out of hand—and most out of their respective enclosures. Richards’s illustrations are comically endearing and expertly drive the rollicking story, bold colors and exaggerated angles milking the chaos for all it’s worth. Watch for sly, uh-oh details in both text and art—the slightly nutty Mrs. Angora, whose kerchief is tied like rabbits’ ears, and Slobberchops’s repeated baths among them. As plot goes, it’s a little on the light side, but with these illustrations who cares? Kids who appreciate critters and stories about them will truly enjoy sitting with this one. (Picture book. 5-8)