Review Detail

The Little Critter books are probably some of my favorite early reader books. JUST A TEACHER’S PET by Mercer Mayer is no exception. Little Critter has a new classmate. She’s everything a teacher could want, but everything that Little Critter and his pals don’t. Bunella does everything a perfect student does, and then some. Quickly, Little Critter begins to dislike Bunella.

I read Just a Teacher’s Pet with my early reader and he immediately squealed with delight. Little Critter is his favorite as well. The text wasn’t too challenging and he quickly pointed out his sight words while I helped him through the more difficult vocabulary. After we finished reading, we talked about the importance of being kind to others.

As always, the illustrations are phenomenal. A mixture of earthy tones and pastels make each page pop. The subtle details in character expressions are outstanding.

If the Little Critters books are not part of your library yet, they need to be. Combining heart-warming tales with a healthy dollop of important lessons and all topped off with beautiful illustrations make for instant family classics. Just a Teacher’s Pet is exactly that: a timeless classic full of warm images and unforgettable characters learning the importance of being kind to others, no matter who they are.