'Hello, Barney' by Mary K. Pershall

This is a very moving and thought-provoking story and I must admit that had to wipe a tear or two away at the end. Long ago in the Australian bush, a little boy called William Jackson trapped a young cockatoo and put him in a cage (which I found hard to accept). He named him Barney. From that first day together until William was an old man Barney was his special pet. This is basically the story of what Barney saw from his cage in William's garden; the changing seasons, the passing years, the growing up of both children and the gum trees. And what happens when William Jackson is too old to care for Barney anymore...

The illustrations by Mark Wilson are simple stunning and how much character does the aged face of William Jackson have? Heaps. This is one of the best picture books I have ever read and raises many philosophical questions about caring for pets, and old age.

101 Pet Jokes by Phil and Hope Hirsch

Here is another joke book for the shelves. I wouldn't say they were "purrfectly hilarious" but some of the riddles are quite clever. They are mainly about cats and dogs.

What do you call it when our feline friends show good manners?

Eti-cat, or course!

There are also pet proverbs such as:

No mews is good mews.

Mice guys finish last.

And there are Pet Puns:

What kind of dog does Count Dracula prefer?

Any bloodhound

What dog stands the best chance of winning the heavy weight title?

A boxer, of course!

The detailed ink illustrations are appealing and it's a light-hearted read.

The Sonmg of Roland Smith by Jenny Koralek

This is Jenny Koralek's first children's novel and it is enjoyable, funny and moving. Peter Rush adds to the delicate humour and feel of the story with his appealing illustrations. Roby and Judd are friends. One day, they secretly borrow a young puppy from the Tyler family pet shop and the three of them have a marvellous time running and jumping and playing on the common. It is when they lose the puppy that disaster strikes; but is this event which also leads them to their first fateful meeting with Percy and to the events which quickly follow on. Percy is a blind girl whose bravery enables them to see their own problems in perspective. It is a little slow to start but I became more and more interested as I read on.