The story begins with a young girl who is looking for the perfect pet – ‘Lately I’ve been thinking that I’d really like to get a fluffy, fuzzy, cuddly-wuddly, friendly little pet’. She heads off to the pet emporium where Mr Price insists he can help her and shows her pet after pet… but every single one is not exactly what it is meant to be. 

There is a pussycat whose stripes look like they belong in the jungle, an owl who hangs upside down, a bunny with fangs and a pony whose long snappy jaws are not for smiling at!

Luckily, the little girl is anything but gullible and she sees straight through Mr Price’s tricks. But will she ever find her perfect pet? Maybe Mr Price has one animal tucked into the back that he doesn’t think anyone will want.

This is such a hilarious story that is the perfect brand of silly that will capture kids attention and keep them hooked. Mr Price’s Pet Emporiumis Millie Lewis’ debut picture book, and it is written well and told in rhyme so makes it fun to read out loud. The girl in the story is also absolutely adorable, clever and even a little sassy. Mr Price never manages to pull the wool over her eyes! The introduction of a different pet on every second page makes for a great page-turner and kids will be guessing what animal will be next and what they really are under their disguises. The illustrations are fabulous and suit the story. They are super bright and engaging and great for kids.

This is an incredibly enjoyable story and one that I imagine would work well in a classroom or library setting where the kids can get involved and laugh along to this story about a cheeky salesman dressing up his wares to sell.

Title: Mr Price’s Pet Emporium
Author: Millie Lewis
Illustrator: Maria Bazykina
Publisher: Larrikin House, $24.99
Publication Date: 1 May 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781922503657
For ages: 3+