The Impossible Pet by Jane De Suza (Author) and Karunya Baskar (Illustrator)
My take on the book:
Tarun and his best friend Joey are same-same, the same age of eight years, the same height, studied in the same class, lived in the same building, got the same marks, even broke their front teeth at the same time. When Joey got a puppy as a pet, Tarun wanted to share it, like they shared everything in life. But Joey misunderstood Tarun’s intentions that Tarun wants to cut his puppy into two halves, like they cut their Idlis to share.
Joey stopped speaking to Tarun and Tarun is also stubborn to get a pet immediately — any animal, bird or reptile will do. But Dad said no because he has to bathe it, Mom said no because she has to feed it and grandma said no because she has an allergy. As the school holidays began, Tarun’s search for a pet intensified. The lizard on his room wall, the cow that blocked traffic in their street, the pigeons that flocked to their balcony, the newly born kittens in their apartment — Tarun tried to turn every possible animal, bird, reptile into his pet.
Will Tarun be able to fulfill his dream to get a pet like Joey, forms the rest of the story.
This is the sweet story of eight-year-old Tarun who is smitten by the idea of having a pet after his best friend got a puppy as a pet. When he could not play with Joey’s puppy he was determined to find a pet for himself. His adventures to turn every animal he comes across into his pet is hilarious but also showcases the stubbornness of young kids and their love for animals at that age. The names Tarun coins for each of the pets are too funny; the essay he writes for the holiday homework around his pets is realistic and reminded me of my childhood.
The way the author ends the story and gives a realistic solution to Tarun’s pet problem has a good message for both parents and kids. The illustrations add to the fun factor and is overall a good read for this holiday season.
My rating:
4/5.