Arthur and the School Pet

by Marc Brown

During Christmas vacation week, D.W. volunteers to take the classroom pet gerbil, Speedy, home for the holidays. D.W. plans to teach him some new tricks to show her class, but soon learns that taking care of a gerbil isn’t as easy as she thinks, especially one as quick as Speedy. . . .

Genres: Childrens, School, Picture Books, Family, Animals, 1st Grade

24 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Marc Tolon Brown is perhaps best known for his series of children's books about Arthur the aardvark, which was turned into an animated television show on PBS. Brown is a three-time Emmy Award winner, for his role on the television show inspired by his books.

He lives on Martha's Vineyard and in New York City with his wife, Laurie Krasny Brown. He has three children, sons Tolon and Tucker, and daughter Eliza. The names of his two sons have been hidden in all of the Arthur books except for one: Arthur's Tooth.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book to read with kids to teach them the responsibilities of taking care of a pet. Some pets are harder than others. This one focuses more on D. W. There is another that focuses on Arthur wanting a dog and proving he can be responsible for one.

[A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arthur's younger sister, D.W. volunteers to take home the class Gerbil, Speedy, over Christmas vacation. And Speedy lives up to his name. D.W. leaves him under the tree on Christmas Eve hoping Santa will see him and leave him a present. When she wakes up in the morning, she finds Speedy is gone. D.W. is very worried that her class will be very upset with her for losing Speedy. They soon find him on top of the Christmas tree. He disappears three more times and runs away after D.W. mentions giving Speedy a bath. D.W.'s mom is happy when the vacation is over and Speedy is going back to school. I enjoyed the cute and detailed illustrations by Marc Brown and think children will appreciate them as well. Good for readers in grades 1 and 2.

[Alexandria Hiam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arthur's younger sister, D.W. volunteers to take home the class Gerbil, Speedy, over Christmas vacation. And Speedy lives up to his name. D.W. leaves him under the tree on Christmas Eve hoping Santa will see him and leave him a present. When she wakes up in the morning, she finds Speedy is gone. D.W. is very worried that her class will be very upset with her for losing Speedy. They soon find him on top of the Christmas tree. He disappears three more times and runs away after D.W. mentions giving Speedy a bath. D.W.'s mom is happy when the vacation is over and Speedy is going back to school. I enjoyed the cute and detailed illustrations by Marc Brown and think children will appreciate them as well. Good for readers in grades 1 and 2.

[Rosa Cline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally a book that doesn't make Arthur's little sister D.W. a horrible tantrum screaming kid! This book was really nice to read DW take responsibility for her class pet during the Christmas holiday break. She takes full responsibility for him, not her parents or older brother but her. A very good lesson for children reading-listening to this story! Very well written Mr. Brown!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

soooooooooooooooooooooo ADORABLE:)