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Peter #7
Pet Show!
How can you enter a pet show when your pet runs away? That's the question Archie faces when he can't find his cat to enter in the neighborhood pet show. Fortunately, he does some fast thinking to win a prize in this beloved classic from award-winning author-illustrator Ezra Jack Keats.
40 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1972
10 people are currently reading
476 people want to read
About the author
Ezra Jack Keats
112 books363 followersEzra Jack Keats was an American writer and illustrator of children's books. He won the 1963 Caldecott Medal for illustrating The Snowy Day, which he also wrote. Many of Ezra’s stories are about a group of friends growing up in the city. The neighborhood they live in looks like the streets where Ezra grew up in Brooklyn, New York.
He was born Jacob Ezra Katz, the third child of Polish-Jewish immigrants Benjamin Katz and Augusta Podgainy. The family was very poor. Jack, as he was known, was artistic from an early age, and joyfully made pictures out of whatever scraps of wood, cloth and paper that he could collect. Benjamin Katz, who worked as a waiter, tried to discourage his son, insisting that artists lived terrible, impoverished lives. Nevertheless, he sometimes brought home tubes of paint, claiming, "A starving artist swapped this for a bowl of soup."
With little encouragement at home, Keats sought validation for his skills at school and learned about art at the public library. He received a medal for drawing on graduating from Junior High School 149. Although unimpressive-looking, the medal meant a great deal to him, and he kept it his entire life. Keats attended Thomas Jefferson High School, where he won a national contest run by Scholastic for an oil painting depicting hobos warming themselves around a fire. At his graduation, in January 1935, he was to receive the senior class medal for excellence in art. Two days before the ceremony, Benjamin Katz died in the street of a heart attack. When Keats identified his father's body, he later wrote, "I found myself staring deep into his secret feelings. There in his wallet were worn and tattered newspaper clippings of the notices of the awards I had won. My silent admirer and supplier, he had been torn between his dread of my leading a life of hardship and his real pride in my work."
His father's death curtailed his dream of attending art school. For the remainder of the Great Depression until he was drafted for military service in World War II, Keats took art classes when he could and worked at a number of jobs, most notably as a mural painter under the New Deal program the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and as a comic book illustrator. At Fawcett Publications, he illustrated backgrounds for the Captain Marvel comic strip. He spent his military service (1943-45) designing camouflage patterns for the U.S. Army Air Force. In 1947, he petitioned to legally change his name to Ezra Jack Keats, in reaction to the anti-Semitic prejudice of the time.
Keats spent most of 1949 painting and studying in Paris, realizing a long-deferred dream of working as an artist. After returning to New York, he focused on earning a living as a commercial artist, undoubtedly influenced by his father's anxieties. His illustrations began to appear in Reader's Digest, The New York Times Book Review, Collier's and Playboy, and on the jackets of popular books. His work was displayed in Fifth Avenue store windows, and the Associated American Artists Gallery, in New York City, gave him exhibitions in 1950 and 1954.
In his unpublished autobiography, Keats wrote, "I didn't even ask to get into children's books." In fact, he was asked to do so by Elizabeth Riley of Crowell, which brought out his first children's title, Jubilant for Sure, written by Elisabeth Hubbard Lansing, in 1954. To prepare for the assignment, Keats went to rural Kentucky, where the story takes place, to sketch. Many children's books followed, including the Danny Dunn adventure series, by Jay Williams and Raymond Abrashkin, and an ethnographic series by Tillie S. Pine and Joseph Levine, beginning with The Indians Knew. All told, Keats illustrated nearly 70 books written by other authors.
In 1983, Keats died at the age of 67 following a heart attack. His last projects included designing the sets for a musical version of his book The Trip (which would later become the stage production Captain Louie), designing
He was born Jacob Ezra Katz, the third child of Polish-Jewish immigrants Benjamin Katz and Augusta Podgainy. The family was very poor. Jack, as he was known, was artistic from an early age, and joyfully made pictures out of whatever scraps of wood, cloth and paper that he could collect. Benjamin Katz, who worked as a waiter, tried to discourage his son, insisting that artists lived terrible, impoverished lives. Nevertheless, he sometimes brought home tubes of paint, claiming, "A starving artist swapped this for a bowl of soup."
With little encouragement at home, Keats sought validation for his skills at school and learned about art at the public library. He received a medal for drawing on graduating from Junior High School 149. Although unimpressive-looking, the medal meant a great deal to him, and he kept it his entire life. Keats attended Thomas Jefferson High School, where he won a national contest run by Scholastic for an oil painting depicting hobos warming themselves around a fire. At his graduation, in January 1935, he was to receive the senior class medal for excellence in art. Two days before the ceremony, Benjamin Katz died in the street of a heart attack. When Keats identified his father's body, he later wrote, "I found myself staring deep into his secret feelings. There in his wallet were worn and tattered newspaper clippings of the notices of the awards I had won. My silent admirer and supplier, he had been torn between his dread of my leading a life of hardship and his real pride in my work."
His father's death curtailed his dream of attending art school. For the remainder of the Great Depression until he was drafted for military service in World War II, Keats took art classes when he could and worked at a number of jobs, most notably as a mural painter under the New Deal program the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and as a comic book illustrator. At Fawcett Publications, he illustrated backgrounds for the Captain Marvel comic strip. He spent his military service (1943-45) designing camouflage patterns for the U.S. Army Air Force. In 1947, he petitioned to legally change his name to Ezra Jack Keats, in reaction to the anti-Semitic prejudice of the time.
Keats spent most of 1949 painting and studying in Paris, realizing a long-deferred dream of working as an artist. After returning to New York, he focused on earning a living as a commercial artist, undoubtedly influenced by his father's anxieties. His illustrations began to appear in Reader's Digest, The New York Times Book Review, Collier's and Playboy, and on the jackets of popular books. His work was displayed in Fifth Avenue store windows, and the Associated American Artists Gallery, in New York City, gave him exhibitions in 1950 and 1954.
In his unpublished autobiography, Keats wrote, "I didn't even ask to get into children's books." In fact, he was asked to do so by Elizabeth Riley of Crowell, which brought out his first children's title, Jubilant for Sure, written by Elisabeth Hubbard Lansing, in 1954. To prepare for the assignment, Keats went to rural Kentucky, where the story takes place, to sketch. Many children's books followed, including the Danny Dunn adventure series, by Jay Williams and Raymond Abrashkin, and an ethnographic series by Tillie S. Pine and Joseph Levine, beginning with The Indians Knew. All told, Keats illustrated nearly 70 books written by other authors.
In 1983, Keats died at the age of 67 following a heart attack. His last projects included designing the sets for a musical version of his book The Trip (which would later become the stage production Captain Louie), designing
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
June 2, 2018
I simply love the art work. Ezra has the best colors. I also love the little pet show competition and each person gets such a creative prize. Peter can find his cat so he comes up with a very creative solution that pays off in the end.
My nephew didn't get it. He said, a germ isn't a pet, you can't do that. He would not let that go. He wanted to read it again though, so it didn't bother him too much.
My nephew didn't get it. He said, a germ isn't a pet, you can't do that. He would not let that go. He wanted to read it again though, so it didn't bother him too much.
March 28, 2024
I never experienced any of Ezra Jack Keats’ Peter series of picture books when I was very young (in Germany), although reading The Snowy Day a few years ago has certainly felt majorly and totally delightful to and for my inner child (who also then immediately rated The Snowy Day with five stars); and just to equally say that I (as an adult reader) do find the recent cancel culture controversies about Keats being Jewish and writing about and illustrating a primarily African American neighbourhood pretty silly and ridiculous.
So I also thus and of course do come to Keats’ featured on Reading Rainbow picture book Pet Show (1972) with no sense of childhood nostalgia, although I am I definitely expecting to enjoy Pet Show! since I found The Snowy Day so utterly magical. But while Pet Show! does not delight me quite as much as The Snowy Day, my inner child in particular once again majorly adores Ezra Jack Keats’ combination of text and images and is for said reason leaving Pet Show! with a huge and all encompassing smile on her face (and a solidly four star rating as well), and Keats’ colourfully expressionistic, imaginative and movement filled pictures both mirroring and at the same time wonderfully and amusingly expanding on his printed words. And yes, yes, yes, she (my inner child) hugely, absolutely loves, loves, loves how in Pet Show!, there is no nasty competitiveness being featured, with everyone in the neighbourhood receiving ribbons (and for amusing pet attributes as well, such as for example a puppy having soft fur and a parrot being noisy), with everyone having fun together, that all kinds of different pets are taking part, are being showcased (from dogs to ants) and how Archie (after he cannot find the neighbourhood cat to use as his pet) decides to show up with a seemingly empty glass jar containing a germ he has called Al (and then wins a ribbon for having the quietest pet), which some reviewers do seem to find an icky and disgusting ending for Pet Show!, but which I personally consider both sweetly and absolutely delightfully inventive, really funny (and also kind of reminding me of the time when I as a five or six year old sneezed wetly into some tissue papers and made them into an imaginary friend that I kept in a manila envelope, which freaked out my mother, although my father appreciated how I was using my imagination and that I obviously also wanted to be a wee bit shocking and annoying).
So I also thus and of course do come to Keats’ featured on Reading Rainbow picture book Pet Show (1972) with no sense of childhood nostalgia, although I am I definitely expecting to enjoy Pet Show! since I found The Snowy Day so utterly magical. But while Pet Show! does not delight me quite as much as The Snowy Day, my inner child in particular once again majorly adores Ezra Jack Keats’ combination of text and images and is for said reason leaving Pet Show! with a huge and all encompassing smile on her face (and a solidly four star rating as well), and Keats’ colourfully expressionistic, imaginative and movement filled pictures both mirroring and at the same time wonderfully and amusingly expanding on his printed words. And yes, yes, yes, she (my inner child) hugely, absolutely loves, loves, loves how in Pet Show!, there is no nasty competitiveness being featured, with everyone in the neighbourhood receiving ribbons (and for amusing pet attributes as well, such as for example a puppy having soft fur and a parrot being noisy), with everyone having fun together, that all kinds of different pets are taking part, are being showcased (from dogs to ants) and how Archie (after he cannot find the neighbourhood cat to use as his pet) decides to show up with a seemingly empty glass jar containing a germ he has called Al (and then wins a ribbon for having the quietest pet), which some reviewers do seem to find an icky and disgusting ending for Pet Show!, but which I personally consider both sweetly and absolutely delightfully inventive, really funny (and also kind of reminding me of the time when I as a five or six year old sneezed wetly into some tissue papers and made them into an imaginary friend that I kept in a manila envelope, which freaked out my mother, although my father appreciated how I was using my imagination and that I obviously also wanted to be a wee bit shocking and annoying).
May 19, 2019
4.3🌟🌟🌟💫
What a fun read, with beautiful illustrations!!! Upon first glance I thought I knew what to expect with this one. Boy, was I pleasantly surprised. It is truly an imaginative take on a pet show and the different animals that can be recognized and appreciated. The best thing is that this book is bound to get the imagination of a young or new reader working overtime.
Pick it up. You won’t be disappointed.
What a fun read, with beautiful illustrations!!! Upon first glance I thought I knew what to expect with this one. Boy, was I pleasantly surprised. It is truly an imaginative take on a pet show and the different animals that can be recognized and appreciated. The best thing is that this book is bound to get the imagination of a young or new reader working overtime.
Pick it up. You won’t be disappointed.
February 9, 2017
Pet Show! - Ezra Jack Keats There aren't nearly enough books showing the lives of working-class kids in the US. There are even fewer that show people making an effort to improve the lives of others as anything other than an individual act of kindness. Bring back the red-diaper babies! Bring back the goal of social justice! I want to see people striving for equality again.Library copy
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March 28, 2011This is another favorite of mine. I like the imaginative nature of the character in the story. Ezra Jack Keats is one of my favorites because he bring real life issues into his stories. I would definitely attempt to have a class pet show and use this book to open up the idea. Students can make pets and tell all about their creations.
February 8, 2022
I have always loved Ezra Jack Keats, and this one made me laugh, especially Archie's creativity! Plus, I can't get enough of Keats's beautiful illustrations/paintings. The best part to me, however, is the fact that Keats features such diversity in his characters, and I really respect that. All kids need to see that today.
March 7, 2023
I had no idea this was a series but I recognized that Peter!
September 23, 2015
I enjoyed Pet Show! by Eza Jack Keats. The unique, impressionistic illustrations artfully capture expression, perspective, and detail. I especially appreciated the beautifully colored end papers. The book left a strong message of kindness and generosity children will be inspired by.
The book's premise is of course a pet show. When the protagonist's pet is missing on the day of the contest, he scrambles to resolve the situation and comes up with a creative solution. Even though the text was written in 1972, its premise could still be relatable to students today. The story is short, simple, and straightforward and would be well-suited for early readers.
The characters demonstrate a wide range of positive attributes. The protagonist is creative, ambitious, and kind. Additionally, nearly all of the characters in the story are African American. Keats is known for introducing greater racial and cultural diversity into children's literature, and this book would be a good addition to any library or classroom seeking to increase the visibility of students of color on the book shelf.
The book's premise is of course a pet show. When the protagonist's pet is missing on the day of the contest, he scrambles to resolve the situation and comes up with a creative solution. Even though the text was written in 1972, its premise could still be relatable to students today. The story is short, simple, and straightforward and would be well-suited for early readers.
The characters demonstrate a wide range of positive attributes. The protagonist is creative, ambitious, and kind. Additionally, nearly all of the characters in the story are African American. Keats is known for introducing greater racial and cultural diversity into children's literature, and this book would be a good addition to any library or classroom seeking to increase the visibility of students of color on the book shelf.
January 24, 2020
Ages: 3 - 6
Cleanliness: someone says, "Gee."
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Cleanliness: someone says, "Gee."
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! You’ll see my updates as I’m reading and know which books I’m liking and what I’m not finishing and why. You’ll also be able to utilize my library for looking up titles to see whether the book you’re thinking about reading next has any objectionable content or not. From swear words, to romance, to bad attitudes (in children’s books), I cover it all!
October 11, 2011
Bummer. I like Ezra Jack Keats' works, but Pet Show didn't really impress my niece or nephew. They listened to the story, and my niece, at least, thought that Archie's decision to bring a germ to the pet show was pretty funny, but this isn't one they'll remember.
I did a special voice for the little old lady in the story, and my niece said, "Why is she talking like that?" I said, "That's just how little old ladies talk." She replied, "Not all of them. Your mom doesn't talk that way, and she's pretty old." HA HA HA!!! I think Grandma needs a phone call.... :-)
I did a special voice for the little old lady in the story, and my niece said, "Why is she talking like that?" I said, "That's just how little old ladies talk." She replied, "Not all of them. Your mom doesn't talk that way, and she's pretty old." HA HA HA!!! I think Grandma needs a phone call.... :-)
February 5, 2018
This story is about a little boy named Archie who hears about a pet show and he and his friends decide they want to enter their pets in the pet show. So everyone goes too round up their pets and line up to be judged for the pet show. Archie tries to round up his cat but he can’t find it anywhere so he brings a paper bag with a pet in it at the very last minute. While in the line he sees an old lady and she has his cat and she gets a blue ribbon for his cat. Archie still gets a blue ribbon but you will have to read it to find out what pet is in his bag.
December 3, 2015
Everyone is the neighborhood gathers to celebrate pets - from cats to goldfish to cats - though Archie must be inventive (creating a pet germ called "Al") when an old woman in the neighborhood is awarded a prize for his cat. Keats' presents an interracial community that co-exists peacefully in their urban home. I'm particularly interested in how Keats applies newspaper clippings on the streets.
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July 12, 2015This book is a great way to start a lesson with children about pets, through the story of a pet show. We would discuss what pets they may have at home, want or enjoy. I would then bring in a new classroom pet, such as a fish or hamster for the children take care of to go along with their learning.
May 9, 2020
Read at read-along story time for beginning readers at the Tenley library on 1/31/13: http://storytimesecrets.blogspot.com/...
February 2, 2020
What a cute story about all the neighborhood pets and their owners! It would make a nice story to read to a little older child. The illustrations are cute and would allow a smaller child to follow along, too.
April 25, 2014
I'm thrilled to have found more of Keats' books that follow the endearing character, Peter, from my favorite childhood story, The Snowy Day. In this book we get to meet many of Peter's friends along with their misbehaved pets. Humor, beautiful illustrations, and a child's outlook on the world create a wonderful story in an colorful urban environment. I even found Keats' illustration of himself in the story.
I consider this a multicultural piece of literature as the reader experiences life in an urban environment filled with many different ethnic characters. The neighborhood is a buzz with talk of a pet show and the character Archie can't wait to participate. Most of his friends are entering typical animals into the pet show, birds and dogs. Archie decides instead the cat who lives near by who he eventually can't find. This book is an excellent book to read aloud to kindergarten or first grade students. The book brings in the important component of multicultural literature which must be used when reading to a diverse audience. It is vital to have all students see the teacher reading about children from all different backgrounds and ethnicity to boost confidence and the realization that they are important in the eyes of others and the teacher.
This book could be used in art as the illustrations are vibrant and I like the way people were drawn in the illustrations.
I consider this a multicultural piece of literature as the reader experiences life in an urban environment filled with many different ethnic characters. The neighborhood is a buzz with talk of a pet show and the character Archie can't wait to participate. Most of his friends are entering typical animals into the pet show, birds and dogs. Archie decides instead the cat who lives near by who he eventually can't find. This book is an excellent book to read aloud to kindergarten or first grade students. The book brings in the important component of multicultural literature which must be used when reading to a diverse audience. It is vital to have all students see the teacher reading about children from all different backgrounds and ethnicity to boost confidence and the realization that they are important in the eyes of others and the teacher.
This book could be used in art as the illustrations are vibrant and I like the way people were drawn in the illustrations.
November 20, 2012
Pet Show!
Grade/interest level: Primary (1st to 2nd)
Reading level: Fountas & Pinnel: H
Grade: 1.9
Genre: multicultural
Main Characters: Archie
Setting: United States, present time
POV: from narrator
Archie is a boy who found a stray cat, well sort of…the stray cat found him. So the stray cat followed Archie home one day. And not Archie wants to enter the stray cat into the neighborhood pet show. Once he decides to enter the cat is lost! Archie scrambles and thinks on his feet so he can prepare the stray cat for the show. Archie keeps his cool and doesn’t let this problem faze him. He shows a lot of problem solving skills.
I would definitely use this in my class. It would be a read aloud to the class or maybe a shared reading with the class. The characters are black which is great and I feel like we need more multicultural and diversity amongst our book selections in the classroom. When children see their cultures in characters in books, not only are they more interested, but it also helps them relate and it is better understood because of their interest. I would also examine and unpack the theme of problem solving or finding a solution. It is something children need to think about at a young age and this would be a great book to unpack that thing.
Grade/interest level: Primary (1st to 2nd)
Reading level: Fountas & Pinnel: H
Grade: 1.9
Genre: multicultural
Main Characters: Archie
Setting: United States, present time
POV: from narrator
Archie is a boy who found a stray cat, well sort of…the stray cat found him. So the stray cat followed Archie home one day. And not Archie wants to enter the stray cat into the neighborhood pet show. Once he decides to enter the cat is lost! Archie scrambles and thinks on his feet so he can prepare the stray cat for the show. Archie keeps his cool and doesn’t let this problem faze him. He shows a lot of problem solving skills.
I would definitely use this in my class. It would be a read aloud to the class or maybe a shared reading with the class. The characters are black which is great and I feel like we need more multicultural and diversity amongst our book selections in the classroom. When children see their cultures in characters in books, not only are they more interested, but it also helps them relate and it is better understood because of their interest. I would also examine and unpack the theme of problem solving or finding a solution. It is something children need to think about at a young age and this would be a great book to unpack that thing.
November 10, 2010
"Pet Show!" by Ezra Jack Keats was a joy to read...the pictures were so colorful and lively. My daughter really paid attention, but, just like "Peter's Chair," it really didn't call for her to be interactive. She just sat there while I read the book to her. On the other hand, as her mom, I thought the book had a very good lesson attached.
Archie is the main character in this book...there's a pet show going on, and Archie wants to bring his cat, but his cat cannot be found anywhere. There's a huge turnout for the pet show, and everyone gets a prize...including Archie. He can't find his cat...so, he ends up bringing a germ in a jar, and he gets a prize for having the quietest pet. At the same time, an older lady shows up with his cat, and she gets a prize as well.
I believe the message Keats conveys to children is very powerful and so important in society today...that, together, we can all shine and have success...
I give it 4 stars.
Archie is the main character in this book...there's a pet show going on, and Archie wants to bring his cat, but his cat cannot be found anywhere. There's a huge turnout for the pet show, and everyone gets a prize...including Archie. He can't find his cat...so, he ends up bringing a germ in a jar, and he gets a prize for having the quietest pet. At the same time, an older lady shows up with his cat, and she gets a prize as well.
I believe the message Keats conveys to children is very powerful and so important in society today...that, together, we can all shine and have success...
I give it 4 stars.
February 13, 2009
Every kid in this rainbow neighborhood is excited about the pet show. Archie's cat is away on a prowl when it's time for prizes. Archie overcomes his disappointment and enters an imaginative pet instead. The plot of this story book is a little quiet for my taste. There is one whole page featuring a chase scene that adds nothing to the story. However, it seems to satisfy my toddler, so who am I to complain?
Keats is one of my favorite illustrators, and the illustrations in Pet Show are fantastic. Keats infuses each page with energy and color. Kids hang out of windows and cluster together on stoops. Keats demonstrates warmth and enthusiasm for the individuality of each child, demonstrated by their pride in their pets.
Keats is one of my favorite illustrators, and the illustrations in Pet Show are fantastic. Keats infuses each page with energy and color. Kids hang out of windows and cluster together on stoops. Keats demonstrates warmth and enthusiasm for the individuality of each child, demonstrated by their pride in their pets.
April 10, 2011
What a wonderful story about a boy named Archie. He was so excited for the Pet Show to show off his cat. As the time grew nearer to leave for the show Archie couldn't find his cat. As the show started the cat showed up with a lady. Archie and all his friends all received ribbons for their pets.
Activities:
-have a classroom pet show with stuffed pets
(create ribbons and different categories for the show so that each pet gets a ribbon)
-Write a response to how Archie felt when he couldn't find his cat. Have you ever felt that way? Was it the same feelings? or How was it different
-Readers theater: have the class write a play about the pet show and have the parents come in to watch
Activities:
-have a classroom pet show with stuffed pets
(create ribbons and different categories for the show so that each pet gets a ribbon)
-Write a response to how Archie felt when he couldn't find his cat. Have you ever felt that way? Was it the same feelings? or How was it different
-Readers theater: have the class write a play about the pet show and have the parents come in to watch
March 25, 2013
This picture book tells the story of a young boy named Archie, who during the process of preparation for the neighborhood pet show loses his pet cat. This book is a book that can be enjoyed by all ages because people of all ages can appreciate Keats's use of descriptive text and illustrations to tell the dilemma of a young boy trying to come up with a solution to his problem. In the end, Archie uses his creativity to solve the problem and ends up winning an award at the pet show. I feel that this book not only can inspire children to use rich descriptive text in their writing, but it can also teach about problem solving as well. I feel that this book is perfect for circle time activities and can be perfect for many different age groups.
July 3, 2014
Mr Keats does such a wonderful job at teaching the listener-reader but not being 'in their face' with that lesson. Along with the beautiful illustrations! I really enjoyed reading this book to by 2 year old granddaughter.
The neighborhood was having a pet show and the little boy kept trying to find his cat; he couldn't find him. And the show had started everyone was winning a prize. And an elderly lady walks up and the cat by her side and the judges gives her the blue ribbon for the best pet. Later after the show the lady tells the boy 'the cat is yours isn't it"... and the little boy cared enough about the lady that he didn't want to take the ribbon away. To him seeing her with the award in the spotlight for that moment was better than him getting it himself. Such a precious story.
The neighborhood was having a pet show and the little boy kept trying to find his cat; he couldn't find him. And the show had started everyone was winning a prize. And an elderly lady walks up and the cat by her side and the judges gives her the blue ribbon for the best pet. Later after the show the lady tells the boy 'the cat is yours isn't it"... and the little boy cared enough about the lady that he didn't want to take the ribbon away. To him seeing her with the award in the spotlight for that moment was better than him getting it himself. Such a precious story.
March 20, 2016
Lots of good pieces to this book. The illustrations are beautiful. The story is simple, but deep. So often we talk (or hear!) about "kids these days". Would kids these days let someone else take home a ribbon for a pet you feel is yours? I don't think so. Not most kids. But what does that say about this child? Would kids these days be creative and show up with a "germ"? Again, I don't think so. I'm leaning toward they wouldn't show up, or they'd demand a parent help come up with a solution, or, quite possibly, they'd complain to the judge about their missing pet. Okay, okay, maybe I'm being harsh. But really, I think there's a lot that could be said (and taught!) with this book! I plan to use it to in some of my groups!
May 24, 2008
I love Ezra Jack Keats' art. So vibrant. This book is how I imagine Harlem was in the 70's. I have no idea when or where it is supposed to be set, but when I read it that is what I imagine. My favorite picture in the book is actually on the end-paper. It's a series of old doors painted bright colors an leaning against the wall with some trash and the back half of a cat. I wish it wasn't in the book because without it, I would be able to let the book go. But there is something so perfect about it, I feel satisfied just looking at it so I can't get rid of the book. Maybe another day.
March 30, 2013
I love Ezra Jack Keats. He is a great author and illustrator. I loved his pictures and colors that he used in this artwork. He is so unique and I can always pick out his work. The moral of this story was good for children as well. They could easily relate to the story line because most children have pets when they are younger or throughout their lives. The young boy ends up sharing his cat with a woman so she gets a blue ribbon as well. Everyone ends up with a ribbon and everyone is a winner that day which is exactly what primary students need.
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July 12, 2011I think that this is a sequel to Hi Cat!. With the help of Willie, Peter, and Susie, Archie searches for the cat, to no avail. Archie decides to enter an empty jar, containing a germ named Al into the pet show. There’s a typo in this book, “As that moment…” should be ‘At that moment…’. The invisible germ would be a great springboard to a discussion of real germs, "improvisation" and illegal pets.
March 10, 2009
A really cute story about a community pet show - and a pet cat who just does not want to play by the rules! You can kind of tell that this was published in the heyday of the self-esteem movement - everybody gets a ribbon - quietest pet, longest whiskers. It has a fun little twist at the end.
Great illustrations.
Great illustrations.
March 29, 2010
Ezra Jack Keats..not a big fan.
In this book, a kid tries to take his cat to the neighborhood pet show where everyone gets some sort of prize. When his independent cat disappears however, he takes an empty glass jar, containing one "germ" named Al. Meanwhile some old lady shows up with the kid's cat and gets a ribbon.
In this book, a kid tries to take his cat to the neighborhood pet show where everyone gets some sort of prize. When his independent cat disappears however, he takes an empty glass jar, containing one "germ" named Al. Meanwhile some old lady shows up with the kid's cat and gets a ribbon.
March 14, 2011
Who doesn't love a good community pet show!? "Pet Show" is a sweet and colorful book that will be sure to leave students naturally making several predictions towards the end of the book when the main character is faced with a challenging situation. Therefore, this is a fantastic book for predictions! I'd recommend this book for children in first through third grade.
December 30, 2012
Archie wants to enter the pet show with his cat. But Archie cannot find the cat anywhere. So he goes on a search. When it comes time for the show, Archie brings an imaginative pet. And guess who shows up?
I love cats, so naturally I like this book. Students could create an animal for the class pet show.
I love cats, so naturally I like this book. Students could create an animal for the class pet show.
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