Arthur's Pet Business

A good lesson for all kids that eventually want a pet of some kind by teaching responsibility in owning a pet. The story begins with Arthur secretly wanting a pet and waiting for the right moment to make the request to his parents. One evening at dinner his sister, D.W. announced that Arthur wanted a puppy. After his parents considered the options of having a pet they made Arthur a deal that if he could show them he was responsible he could get a puppy. Arthur and D.W. were trying to come up with ways to prove this that night in her room. At the table D.W. had her cash register advising Arthur to get a job to pay back the seven dollars he owed her. The pictures in the book are detailed showing the items in her room, such as a dollhouse, toy duck and rocking horse. For anyone that has watched any of the episodes of Arthur they know the dog is called Pal and a part of the show. The book is a nice story that has funny antics while watching pets, but shows how Arthur takes the business seriously and is rewarded in the end. The entire family shares in all responsibilities as is demonstrated through out the book with them making decisions together on the dog and caring for the visiting pets. Arthur sticks with the business at hand through the week he is caring for the pets and accounts for all of them. When presented with the dilemma of how to show his parents he can handle responsibility, Arthur sets out to accomplish that task. My six-year old at one time wanted a pet and loves Arthur's Pet Business. The book tackles the issues of caring for various pets by showing they need food, rest in their own sleeping sections, cleaning of their cages and plenty of fresh air by taking walks. Showing Arthur reading the dog care book and concern about Perky reinforces that having a pet is serious business.

What child hasn't asked for a pet at some point in their childhood. What an excellent way to teach responsibility. This book shows the parent how to test a child's readiness for responsibilities, while showing the young readers the perils and pitfalls of having one's own pet business, as well as the rewards, and entertaining us all in the meanwhile. Well done. It's also fun to look in all of Marc Brown's books and find the hidden names!

I am in awe of how Marc Brown has simplified the concept of responsibility, so that it may be understood by my two year old daughter. My two year old daughter summed this book up by saying; " Arthur showed his mommy and daddy he can take care of everyone's pets now he can have Pal . In my eyes that says it all ! The author has sucessfully done what was intended . He communicated an important moral concept to a small child , what being responsible is and how doing things morally right can be fun and rewarding. Keep up the good work Marc Brown you are helping me communicate important moral, social, family, and educational values to my daughter. Great Books and Characters