What Pet Should I Get?

There’s something about a Dr. Seuss book that is special. Maybe it’s the whimsical creatures, maybe it’s the rhyming pattern; whatever it might be, it’s undeniable that Dr. Seuss has written some of the most memorable children’s books ever. In 2013, years after he passed, his wife Audrey found a box containing materials for various projects in his studios. Among the contents in the box were the manuscript and finished line art for what would become What Pet Should I Get?

Why use this book:

• What Pet Should I Get? captures a timeless childhood moment of choosing a pet. It follows two school-aged siblings as they try and decide on what pet best fits the family. It is also a story about making decisions. This book captivates students to think about how different pets need different things, and not all pets are right for all situations.

Animal Welfare Considerations:

• An added bonus to this book is that there is a ‘Notes from the Publisher’ section that gives a look into the life of Dr. Seuss and his work. Included in these notes is a warning/caution on pet stores stating that while it was common for people to go to pet stores to get a pet when the book was written, today there are many other options available, and encourages the reader to consider adopting from a shelter organization. This would be a great opportunity to have that discussion with students in an age-appropriate manner.
• Pets are a huge responsibility, and one that the whole family should be involved in; adults accompanying the children would be the best way to find an animal companion for the family. Furthermore, in the story, two children set out to find just one pet. Certain animal species, like some species of fish, guinea pigs, and gerbils, are social and prefer to be with animals of their own kind. In these cases, getting more than one pet would make the most sense.

Post-Reading Activities:

1. Finish the Story
   1. Have students write the ending to the book. First, ask students,
      1. What are some things you would consider when choosing a pet?
      2. How would your home and family life influence your decision on what pet to get?
   2. Students can then provide an ending to the book by writing a short paragraph explaining their reasoning behind the pet they picked.
2. What ________ Needs
   1. All pets have needs. As a class, brainstorm the needs of pets (including food, water, shelter, grooming, veterinary care, exercise, and love). Use the Five Needs of Animals as a guide.
   2. Discuss how the specific needs of the animal are similar to and different from other pets.
3. What pet would you get?
   1. Divide students into four groups and hand out Pet Cards.
   2. Students will take turns selecting a card, placing it face up on the table and listing one benefit and one challenge of owning that animal. Other group members can then add other benefits and challenges. Encourage students to be specific! For example, there are several different dog cards, however, they differ in age, size, energy level, etc.
   3. When students are finished with all of the cards, have each group member pick the animal that would suit their family the best and explain why.
   4. Once groups are finished, ask a few students to share their responses with the whole class.

Extra Activity:

For additional pet-related resources, visit the Seussville website! Pet-related activities, crafts, recipes and printouts are all available. Students might find the Pet Care Daily Calendar particularly useful.