The House of a Million Pets

My whole family loved THE HOUSE OF A MILLION PETS. I gave it to my 14-year-old for Christmas and then all the adults in the house snuck it and read it while he wasn't looking. It is both touching and hysterically funny. The stories reminded me of Jean Shepherd's books. A great gift for the pet-lover in your life.

Compared to animal lover and caretaker Hodgman, I'm a novice, with my dog and my beta fish, but her book is so inspiring, I'm thinking of getting a sugar glider or a white capped bulbul or maybe just a dachshund. Definitely not a baby bat, although I enjoyed reading about how she lovingly cared for one. This is a book I'll give my vet to keep in the waiting room. There's something for everyone in it, and it's hard to put it down, but when you do, you'll be smiling. The illustrations are precious; they work for readers of any age.

Yes, this is ostensibly a children's book, so I started by reading it to my 9-year-old daughter one evening before she went to bed. However, it was so enjoyable that I couldn't resist continuing on my own. When I got to the chapter about the dogs I laughed so hard I thought I'd wake up the entire house. This book is simultaneously thoughtful and uproarious, practical and fun. It'll be the perfect kids' birthday present- I've already ordered several copies. Both my daughter and I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next!

This is a charming book for all ages. The author describes her experiences with dozens of pets, from dogs and cats to prairie dogs, bulbuls, wild owls, and snapping turtles. The book imparts a lot of fascinating information, and at the same time is very funny. A great find!

Any child (or adult) who loves animals will love this book. It is the perfect choice for kids who love to read and for reluctant readers. The author has owned tons of pets, including hedgehogs, sugar gliders, pygmy mice, and owls, and she tells all of their stories here in a really funny, engaging, and heartwarming way. The illustrations are wonderful too! A+