Do you really want a bird?

In some ways, this title seems to guide readers to a negative answer to the titular question. Because if you really want a bird, you will need a cage; otherwise, your whole house will be a cage. And if you forget to feed the bird, it will get sick and need to go to the vet. Well, it will need occasional vet visits anyway. And water. And you have to clean the cage. Well, by the time kids are done reading, they may be a bit deflated at the prospect of a bird for a pet, but they will know what they're getting into. Part of the Do You Really Want a Pet? series, this has bright, glossy, appealing, and amusing artwork. The quiz at the end clarifies things further, and there's a list of suggested websites and books. Copyright 2013 Booklist Reviews.

Gr 1–3—Humorous and lighthearted introductions to the pleasures and responsibilities of pet ownership, these volumes have two font sizes: the smaller one moves the text along while the larger one screams off the pages with questions and suppositions. Dialogue bubbles have the potential pets talking. "You're my only friend, shoe. Can I call you Shoezanne?" bemoans a dog as it chews on a slipper. "I'm a little hoarse," says a horse. At the end of each title, the animals are asked, "But do you really want a person?" The cat, dog, horse, rabbit, bird and hamster all do, of course. An appended quiz asks, "Is this the right pet for me?" Hilarious cartoon illustrations match up perfectly with the breezy texts. Solid care guides for very beginners. [Page 30]. (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

"Several pet birds (and the narrator) teach a young boy the responsibility--and the joys--of owning a pet bird. Includes 'Is this pet right for me?' quiz"--Provided by publisher.

Several pet birds teach a young boy the responsibilities and the joys of owning a pet bird.