The welcome home

Title:

The welcome home

Author:

Summary:

Mr. and Mrs. Gargleson-Bittle are looking for a change. Their life has become too quiet, and little changes like eating waffles only help for a moment. They decide to get a pet—but what kind should they have? First they welcome a snail into their home, then an elephant named Louise, then an aardvark named Sam. One by one they come, and while the house is definitely no longer quiet, Mr. and Mrs. Gargleson-Bittle still have room and love for more. Could this waggy, lick-your-face puppy be what makes their family complete? -- Amazon.

Audience:

Ages 4-8. A Paula Wiseman Book, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

Grades K-1. A Paula Wiseman Book, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

General Note:

"A Paula Wiseman Book."

Edition:

First edition.

Physical Description:

1 volume (unpaged) : color illustrations ; 29 cm.

Genre:

Picture books.

Subject Term:

Pets -- Juvenile fiction.

Families -- Juvenile fiction.

Publisher:

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers,

Publication Date:

2023

ISBN:

9781534492325

Publication Information:

New York : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2023.

Call Number:

P BATES

Holds: Copies:

Available:*

Item Barcode	Collection	Call Number	Status	Item Holds
33607003688002	New Picture Books	BATES	Searching... Unknown	Searching... Unavailable

Bound With These Titles

On Order

Summary

"The gorgeous illustrations and lovely storyline make this an instant classic." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

From the creator of The Big Umbrella comes another poetic and lushly illustrated picture book about the joy of companionship and there always being room for one more in this tale about the search for the perfect pet.

Mr. and Mrs. Gargleson-Bittle are looking for a change. Their life has become too quiet, and little changes like eating waffles only help for a moment. They decide to get a pet--but what kind should they have? First they welcome a snail into their home, then an elephant named Louise, then an aardvark named Sam.

One by one they come, and while the house is definitely no longer quiet, Mr. and Mrs. Gargleson-Bittle still have room and love for more. Could this waggy, lick-your-face puppy be what makes their family complete?

Author Notes

Amy June Bates has illustrated books including the Sam the Man series; Sweet Dreams and That's What I'd Do , both by singer-songwriter Jewel; and Waiting for the Magic by Patricia MacLachlan. She is the author-illustrator of The Big Umbrella , about which Booklist raved, "A boundlessly inclusive spirit...This open-ended picture book creates a natural springboard for discussion." She lives in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, with her husband and three children.

Reviews (2)

School Library Journal Review

PreS-Gr 2--Although happy and content, the Gargleson-Bittles couple knows that this quiet home is missing something. And waffles for breakfast, although delicious, are not quite what they need. Something "lick-your-face-play-fetch-roll-over-rub-its-belly-and-chase-its-tail" sounds like just the thing. Playful, radiant colored pencil illustrations show this loving couple's path to their ideal companion. Snails, whales, a grumpy cat, an aardvark, rabbits, seals, and many, many others are welcomed, each bringing joy and a special talent. At last, just the right creature arrives to add to the happiness of this very unique and loving family. Young children (and their adult companions) will be captivated by the warmth offered in this lovely work. VERDICT Highly recommended for picture book collections, this fun-filled rumpus will delight young children and leave everyone in a glow.--Eva Elisabeth VonAncken

Publisher's Weekly Review

Bates (Joey) introduces the Gargleson-Bittles, lone denizens of a sprawling house who feel that something's missing from their lives. Fair-skinned Mr. Gargleson is built like a quarterback, and spouse Ms. Bittle, portrayed with brown skin, sports overalls. It's clear what they're longing for: "They both wanted something a little bit lick-your-face-play-fetch-roll-over." Naturally, they get a snail, named Gordon, whom "they admired as they watched it make its way across the table." Now desiring something "more waggy," they next get an elephant named Louis. And in search of something more "lick-your-face," they obtain an aardvark called Sam and a whale named Eugene. Eugene quickly hits it off with Gordon, and the menagerie keeps growing. Gentle colored pencil hatching; stylish, angular figures; and extensive images of the couple's many rooms (including a theater and a pool) lend a sense of order to the story's mayhem. Though the joke centers on the couple's inability to land on the right pet, readers will be just as entertained by the animals' scene-stealing friendships and activities. Ages 4--8. Agent: Linda Pratt, Wernick & Pratt. (Sept.)