THE HOUSE OF A MILLION PETS

Well, it might not be a million, but Hodgman’s barnyard of birds, rodents, insects, mammals, reptiles and amphibians includes the ordinary and the exotic. Hodgman had pets as a child, but now she can have anything she wants. An adult telling the truth about animals—including funny, sad and words of wisdom—she’ll bring hope to children who have either wanted one pet, had a pet die, wanted more pets, or wanted an animal from the wild. Chapter headings of “Poop,” “Lost! (and usually found),” “Aliens in the house,” “Snappingy” and information boxes of “The Worst Things My Dogs Have Eaten” and “How to Cut a Rabbit’s Nails in 13 Impossible Steps” are sure to please readers. Yelchin provides absolutely charming illustrations. Hodgman may not have had a dragon like Hagrid, but her tales are equally engaging, truthful and funny to readers of all ages. She’s a James Herriot for the 21st century. (Fiction. 9 & up)