cover image Poonam's Pets

Poonam's Pets

Andrew Davies. Viking Children's Books, $12.95 (320pp) ISBN 978-0-670-83321-4

Shy, soft-spoken Poonam is ``a bit on the small side.'' She is so quiet, in fact, that her teacher and her classmates have to bend down to hear what she is saying. When Mrs. Wig suggests a Pets Assembly, the excited students enumerate their various pets, and Poonam, in characteristically reticent fashion, whispers that she has lions. The day of the Pets Assembly finds things a bit tense as the mix of animals results in considerable chaos. A tardy Poonam is, sure enough, trailed by ``SIX ENORMOUS LIONS!'' After the well-behaved animals perform for the astonished audience, Poonam treats her friends to rides on her magnificent pets. Proving that good things come in small packages, this sweet and gentle tale brims with sly wit. Dowling's cheerful pictures depict multicultural tykes and a myriad of beguiling pets, highlighted by a lovely leonine sextet. Ages 3-8. (June)