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A positive yet realistic view of what it's like to have a pet in the house. It shows that initial enthusiasm can wane but that it's important to stay the course with an animal.
Author: Laurence Anholt
Illustrator: Catherine Anholt
Publisher: Orchard
Anna, a little girl who lives in a house with her parents and smaller brother, loves dogs. But all the dogs she has are toys. She wants a real dog but her parents explain that it would be hard work and expensive. Anna doesn’t give up, and finally is given a small sheepdog by a farmer. The dog causes all sorts of mayhem, and Anna becomes angry. But later she understands that the dog is just a pup and has to be trained. The book ends on a high note with Anna adoring her dog.