My next door neighbor just got two puppies, so naturally my kids are now clamoring for one.  It seems like every kid at some point asks “Mom, can I get a dog?”  Nice parents (like my neighbor and my sister) say, “Sure honey.”  Mean parents (like me) say “Who’s going to vacuum up the dog hair and clean up the yard?  Who’s going to walk it and take it to the vet?  Who’ll watch it while we go on vacation?  Dogs are messy.  Vets and kennels are expensive.  A dog will end up costing us a fortune.  No, no, no!”

The Best Pet of All written by David LaRochelle and illustrated by Hanako Wakiyama (Dutton, 2004), gives all those kids who have always wanted a dog the victory they deserve.  For three days straight the hero of our story asks if he can get a dog.  The answer is always no.  Finally, the little boy asks if he can get a dragon.  “If you can find a dragon, you can keep it for a pet,” says his mother.

He searches and searches and finally convinces a dragon to come home with him.  Then the trouble starts.  Dragons don’t like to pick up their toys.  “They do not like to help with chores.  And they make a mess in the kitchen.  They roast hot dogs in the living room.  And they dance to loud music all night long.”

Naturally his mother does not like this pet dragon.  But it won’t leave.  The little says, “Too bad we do not have a dog . . . Dragons do not like dogs . . .  A dog would chase the dragon away.”  Smart thinking!

I guess my kids will be asking me for a dragon next.