Houghton Mifflin Reading: The Nation's Choice: Theme Paperbacks, On-Level Grade 5 Theme 6 - There's a Tarantula in My Purse

While the target audience is kids, this book is really fun reading for all ages. Not many families would dare to take in the pets that the George family did, including a skunk with its stinker gland (not the technical term, sorry), nor is it really advisable. But the George family was knowledgable about wildlife biology and knew how to take care of the animals they took in. I was surprised to find that almost every story taught me something new about animal behavior and intelligence. Reading the story may make you or your kids want to find wild pets, but imbued in each story is also a lesson in how much responsibility it takes as well. What I enjoyed the most, though, is the autobiographical nature of this book that gives a picture of an impressive family. The 3 kids had childhoods that were full of adventure, affection, and education. They have all grown up to be impressive and accomplished adults. I think one can glean some lessons here on how to raise happy kids who respect nature and how to cultivate their curiosities into independent thinking. I'm an adult now, but reading this book makes me want to be a kid rediscovering the natural world again.

If you think a fox can't be trained to use a litter box, if you think a frog can't step in and be a substitute for a vacuum cleaner and if you think crows are dumb, this charming book of real-life adventures stemming from having "wild" animals and birds (and bugs) as pets will set you straight. George grew up with more than a dog and a cat for her friends and she raised her three children in the same way. So what if a clutch of ducklings needs the bathtub for a feeding and living ground for a week or so! So what if your weasel has to be worn out with exercise before he can be fed! No zany inconvenience seemed to stop this family's adventures with real wild things. The fun they've had and relationships they've built with their pets/friends will make you envious as you laugh and marvel at the tales. And the stories about two of their crows, North and Crowbar, will simply stun you with how ingenious and devious (in the clever banker sense) they were. And don't think they didn't have skunks for pets either! This is a terrific for all ages!

Jean Craighead has done it again! This charming book tells her adventures with her children's pets. It has funny stories. It is not a pet information book, but a true story about her life with pets. This is a book that really enjoyed reading-and I set high standards for books.

Tarantula in My Purse offered a personal look at the many wondrous wild animals who have passed through the life of the George family. It gave students a glimpse of the respect and knowledge needed to properly care for a wild animal that will, ultimately, decide to what degree it will be "domesticated." The chapters are brief and to the point which facilitates the interest of young children while still teaching the many adaptations and often times humorous behaviors of wild animals. Thanks, Jean, for broadening our understanding of wild life and for letting so many students into your personal life.

This is a fantastic book for all ages. Last night my mom couldn't get me to put it down! There is only one problem with it,now all 5 of my cats think I'm nuts because I laugh at paper!