SNAKES DON'T MISS THEIR MOTHERS

by M. E. Kerr ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 1, 2003

Here's the book for readers who've wondered what goes on among the denizens of an animal shelter—and not the human ones. They're told that the animals, be they dogs, cats, iguanas, snakes, or whatever, speak to each other, in a presumably ur-animal tongue, and watch out for each other while the various breeds of dogs know to be wary of the town's dastardly, evil dogcatcher. Mostly, though, and heartbreakingly, they wait to be adopted. In Kerr's story, set in the Hamptons on Long Island, they await the Christmas and New Year's holidays, while one particular canine longs to find his owner. The creatures are appealing and have distinct personalities. Humans don't fare as well; most are uninteresting and not fully realized, and the subplot with a child actress/dancer seems superfluous (though she does adopt a really feisty cat whom no one had ever seemed to want). These critters (also the name of the shelter) and their antics should keep young animal lovers happy and occupied. (Fiction. 9-12)

Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2003

ISBN: 0061910813

Page Count: 208

Publisher: HarperCollins

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2003

Categories: CHILDREN'S