Penelope Rex and the Problem with Pets

Penelope Rex might finally have bitten off more than she can chew—a pet saber tooth tiger!—in this companion to the #1 New York Times bestseller We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins.

Most kids have dogs and cats and fish and guinea pigs. Penelope Rex has Mittens.

When Mittens lumbers into her life, Penelope isn’t entirely convinced she even wants a pet. But she’s nothing if not determined to make the best of it. The thing is, pets—especially ones that weigh six hundred pounds and sport six-inch-long teeth—can cause very big, very messy problems. Think knocked-over furniture, accidental destruction, and the kind of chaos that only a prehistoric predator can create.

Ryan T. Higgins delivers another hilarious and heartwarming adventure that perfectly captures the challenges (and occasional rewards, but mostly challenges) of pet ownership. Young readers will recognize the universal struggle of wanting something desperately, only to discover it’s not quite what they expected. The humor is sharp, the illustrations are wonderfully expressive, and the message about responsibility and love lands without feeling preachy.

Perfect for dinosaur enthusiasts, animal lovers, and anyone who’s ever begged their parents for a pet, this book is a delightful addition to Penelope’s world. Whether you’re already a fan or just discovering this charming series, Penelope Rex and the Problem with Pets is guaranteed to bring giggles and knowing nods from kids and parents alike.

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