8 Class Pets + 1 Squirrel [Divided By] 1 Dog = Chaos (2011) - Plot & Excerpts
I picked up this book as I was reading through this year's Beverly Cleary Children's Choice Award Nominees. This one was a really quick read. I especially liked how each chapter was told by the point of view of a different class pet or animal. This would be a great read-aloud for a 1st-3rd grade class and I can imagine a lot of fun classroom activities to accompany the story. Just an easy, fun read. I think Beverly Cleary would recommend it. Reading level: 4.4Interest level: 2 - 4Great read aloud for younger grades. Hilarious! Loved this book! Can envision this being read to classes before having to do an animal research project.Gr 1–3—Desperately trying to escape a crazed dog, a squirrel dashes into an elementary school, followed by the pup, where he encounters the class pets. Beginning with the first-grade hamster, they all describe themselves, including the neon tetras, who are "tickled" to be a "school in a school." Some of the creatures are willing to help Twitch, but some are just intrigued by his situation. This fun read will satisfy kids looking for animal stories with happy endings. The most interesting part of this tale is that the dog is portrayed as the villain—until the very end, when Cuddles gets to speak. Humorous spot illustrations appear throughout. Due to the short segments told by the different animals, this beginning chapter book will appeal to reluctant readers, and it is a good read-aloud. A suitable purchase for most collections.—Elizabeth Swistock, Jefferson Madison Regional Library, Charlottesville, VA Copyright 2011 Reed Business Information.
What do You think about 8 Class Pets + 1 Squirrel [Divided By] 1 Dog = Chaos (2011)?
Very funny...Leila walked around for days saying, "we're in a school, in a school."
—MissTinybird
Couldn't stop laughing at some parts, definite read aloud for next year.
—Kate
Each chapter is told by a different character. It's a cute, fun story.
—aaron
Entertaining, good to read aloud. From the POV of various animals.
—nasheed4ever
A win with younger elementary kids, for sure.
—janegord
