Staff Pick
Spencer's New Pet is so much fun! With an old-timey style, thoughtful details, and a super clever story line, it's surprising and suspenseful (yes, really!) and just generally a joy to read. Recommended By Emily F., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
From the creator of Not Quite Narwhal comes a classic tale of a boy and his dog — except in this unique story, one of them is a balloon!
When Spencer gets a new pet, he's excited to do all the things that pets do — taking walks in the park, going to the vet, and attending parties together.
There's just one hitch: Spencer's new pet is a balloon.
And that means No. Sharp. Objects.
No drooling dogs at the park. No prickly porcupines at the vet. And absolutely no pinning tails on any donkeys!
Spencer's New Pet is a story of pure fun about a boy, his dog, and a friendship that endures life's sharpest...and most unexpected twists.
Review
"An entirely immersive reading experience...younger readers...[will] be delighted by this heartwarming and suspenseful story of a boy and his dog, the ending of which will leave them eager for a second reading." Booklist (Starred Review)
Review
"Young readers will be tickled and amazed and will want to view it again and again. Original and thoroughly delightful." Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)
Review
"With many nods to silent film — including a black-and-white palette, elegant title cards dividing the story into three parts, highly dramatic close-ups, and iris shots — Sima (Love, Z) tells the nearly wordless story of a bespectacled boy and the dog he loves very much." Publisher's Weekly (Starred Review)
About the Author
Jessie Sima is an author/illustrator living and working in New York City. She grew up in a small town in southern New Jersey, unaware that she was a storyteller. Once she figured it out, she told her family and friends. They took it quite well. She is the author of Not Quite Narwhal; Harriet Gets Carried Away; Love, Z; Snow Pony and the Seven Miniature Ponies; Spencer's New Pet; and Jules vs. the Ocean. You can visit her at JessieSima.com.