Bridget Fidget desperately wants a pet unicorn to name Thunderhooves, so when a giant box arrives downstairs marked “Fragile” (or, as she imagines, “Here’s your new pet!”) she dives right in, spreading Styrofoam pellets (“snow”) all over the house. It’s just a small box inside, though, so she wishfully thinks it must be a pet mouse. When she finally discovers it’s a cuckoo clock, she is a little disappointed...until a real live ladybug flies out of it: “Bridget called her ladybug Thunderhooves. It was the perfect name for the perfect pet for her.” British cartoonist Berger’s vivacious drawings of the monomaniacal Bridget and her super-chic parents are thoroughly charming, and the varied, artfully designed spreads buzz with life, speech bubbles, motion squiggles and sound effects (“SPIZZOOOOM!”) while still managing to look clean and inviting. Bridget’s hopeful nature is endearing, her thoughtful considerations (“It might NOT be a penguin”) amusing. Familiar waters, sure, but it’s the rare child who doesn’t dream of having his or her very own Thunderhooves. (Picture book. 4-8)
